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Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Sunset Peak

Sunset at Alta

10,400'

North

35°

Snowboarder

Unintentionally Triggered

Soft Slab

New Snow/Old Snow Interface

14"

80'

30'

1

While it was a small avalanche that was I caught in and it did not even move me downhill, I'd like to identify the mistakes clearly made which caused this result. Partner bailed but still went out today with the intent of exploring around Catherine's Pass just to take a look and take one ride out using the low angle terrain near the trail to the pass to get back down to the meadow. Started at 12:30 and got to the pass at 3:00. Since it stopped snowing and began to clear, decided to skin up to the ridgeline for a better view. Dug 3 pits, one prior in the meadow just for curiosity’s sake, another along the ridge and another towards what I believed to be the top of the run ‘so long’. After these assessments, it was apparent riding any of these open slopes could be a bad play. By the time I was at what I perceived to be ‘so long’ it was snowing pretty well again and the fatigue that had set in had begun to cloud my judgment. Instead of taking the time to simply use my own skin track back to the meadow, figured I could save time and energy by riding or just hiking down the spine. (Looker’s right of 'so long' utilizing all the trees as anchors.) As I started down, I didn’t locate the specific trees I had seen several times before and then realized I was not near so long but actually on sunset, which starts out at even lower angle but has a short, steep section for what I believe was about 20-30 yards to get to the meadow. Attempted 3 turns to release any sluff which it did and released a good bit of snow to my right. So had let that pass and attempted to change direction to exit to my left by crossing the slope and once I did, it released about 5 or so yards above me and was easily able to stop and let the snow pass without issue. Took only one photo which is attached and surprised how far it had continued to my left. Again, a bad estimate on distance but would guess 60-80 yards? Rode down to the meadow and out but think about the following mistakes. (1) Should have never been on that north facing slope, especially being well aware of the advisory and previous snow still in place, (2) solo, (3) deviated from original plan, (4) used fatigue and time constraints as an excuse to not backtrack safely, (5) knowingly going into a short, but potential terrain trap, (6) changing direction after releasing the sluff. Thought it was important to report and get the appropriate feedback. Forecaster Comments: Excellent perspective on the event. Thank you for submitting the observation. Should inspire others heading out over the weekend that avalanche season has begun.