Observer Name
Art Bingham
Observation Date
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Avalanche Date
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon » 1000 Peaks » Chalk Creek
Location Name or Route
Chalk Creek / Coalville Powerplant access
Elevation
8,500'
Aspect
North
Slope Angle
46°
Trigger
Snowmobiler
Trigger: additional info
Unintentionally Triggered
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Avalanche Problem
New Snow
Weak Layer
Ground Interface
Depth
16"
Width
60'
Vertical
400'
Caught
1
Carried
1
Buried - Fully
1
Injured
1
Snow Profile Comments
New snow came off a steep slope 40 to 50 % grade and pushed down into a 30 to 35% grade. The unloaded snow from above was the source of all the fill snow. Stay away from areas that have cliffs above. Several none triggered avalanches in the area all on North and east face slopes. Crown of the slide was 14 to 16 inches thick.
Comments
Rider was carried about 80 to 90 feet and his head was about 1 foot under snow surface. Found within 60 seconds due to the corner of his airbag sticking out of the snow about 2 inches. Body position was vertical. Found without his helmet. He was wearing a ABS air bag and beacon was functioning. Rider was blindsided from behind and did not recall pulling his cord. Airbag was deployed. Injuries to victim, a broken hand, mild shock and chills. Sled was 4 feet under the snow. Sled was a total loss. Banged into rocks and a tree.
Coordinates