Observer Name
Derek DeBruin, Ben Bauter
Observation Date
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Avalanche Date
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond » Cutler Ridge
Location Name or Route
Ben Lomond, Cutler Ridge, Indicator Hill
Elevation
7,300'
Aspect
Northeast
Slope Angle
44°
Trigger
Snowboarder
Trigger: additional info
Intentionally Triggered
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Avalanche Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Weak Layer
Density Change
Depth
12"
Width
40'
Vertical
50'
Comments
Skinning above and west of Indicator Hill around 1230, we checked out a small test slope to determine reactivity of the wind loaded snow before venturing higher or committing to riding steeper terrain. On the NE aspect of a 44 degree rollover, the lead member of the party triggered a small slide about 30cm deep in the interface between the 12/24&25 storm snow and the wind loading that occurred since 12/26 and throughout today (12/27). The slab was 4F snow atop the F storm snow. It fractured a few feet above skinner and propagated across the slope until the angle lessened. Additionally, the fracture continued around to the north aspect of the slope approximately 100 feet and caused a sympathetic release approximately 15 feet wide running for perhaps 20 feet.
Apologies for the poor photo quality. First picture is lead member of the party standing on the bed surface, crown visible behind his shoulders. Second photo is sympathetic release around the corner.
Coordinates