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Avalanche: Skyline

Observer Name
Sean Busby
Observation Date
Monday, November 14, 2011
Avalanche Date
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Region
Skyline
Location Name or Route
Unknown - about a mile south on east facing slope from where snowkites usually kite
Elevation
9,200'
Aspect
East
Slope Angle
35°
Trigger
Snowboarder
Avalanche Type
Cornice Fall
Weak Layer
New Snow
Depth
12"
Width
500'
Vertical
Unknown
Caught
1
Comments

Wanted to scout new lines for after the storm and when stability was more consistent. Approached area cautiously as it could have been forming cornice. New area - so unknown. Probed and patted as I came near edge for possible cornice concerns. Group was not exposed - only I was. Was able to safely make way out to evaluate conditions and possible future lines. Spent a few minutes observing lines and weather while looking for safest selection of terrain for a splitboard/AT skin track route that would take us back to the top of the ridge after the decent for future ski. Could not see cornice - except for formations of a few further down the ridge. Walked back to safe zone to grab camera and give findings to group. Went back out on same book pack still cautiously for another look. While beginning to leave - massive propagation stretched the entire east facing ridge (looking out towards Fairview Lakes). Propagation connected to a SE facing ridge and set off slide of entire aspect. I am still hesitant to say it was 100% cornice as everything acted in slab nature, but logic tells me slight cornice formation maybe on top of unstable slope causing slab like nature to cornice area. Smaller propagation covered the entire face below me. Had group throw my cornice cutting rope to me as I was surrounded by huge cracks and was afraid to move - tied back in and pulled to safety. Earlier that day: Spent the previous hours digging pits and beacon practices before this event. Found CT 14s scattered around and CT 23's. Also found a few CT 3's and 12s where winds were blowing. All CTs were on east facing slopes. Did note that we were getting very different readings all over east facing slopes - pending on wind exposure. . Glad to ski another day. Hope this can help others in the Sanpete area. -Sean Busby

Coordinates