Observer Name
Briant Ropelato
Observation Date
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Avalanche Date
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Region
Logan » Logan River » Steam Mill » Upper Steam Mill
Location Name or Route
Upper Steam Mill Area
Elevation
9,000'
Aspect
Northeast
Slope Angle
Unknown
Trigger
Snowmobiler
Trigger: additional info
Unintentionally Triggered
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Weak Layer
Surface Hoar
Depth
18"
Width
100'
Vertical
200'
Caught
1
Carried
1
Buried - Partly
1
Accident and Rescue Summary
Snowmobiler caught, carried, mostly buried, recovered, ok.
Comments
Second rider to side-slope across the slope low on the hill triggered and was caught and carried by the avalanche. He was able to stay on the sled and "burp" the throttle a bit to maintain forward movement and just a bit of control. The avalanche pushed him downhill at least 40 yards and then off his sled and into a tree... The slab avalanche was fairly slow moving, as it involved heavy moist snow... The sled was mostly buried, but otherwise did not sustain significant damage, and the rider was unhurt and was able to ride out....
Location and size details are estimates....
Coordinates