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Avalanche: Skyline

Observer Name
Brett Kobernik
Observation Date
Sunday, April 8, 2018
Avalanche Date
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Region
Skyline
Location Name or Route
Ephraim Canyon, steep slopes west of Blue Bell
Elevation
9,500'
Aspect
North
Slope Angle
40°
Trigger
Natural
Avalanche Type
Wet Slab
Avalanche Problem
Wet Snow
Weak Layer
Facets
Depth
20"
Comments

A number of natural wet slab avalanches released during rain on Saturday, April 7. These all were below 9500' in elevation. They were initially small wet loose avalanches which then triggered wet slabs as they descended the slopes. They broke to the ground. The snow above the ground was wet faceted snow. Observations in similar terrain showed these faceted snow grains became damp a few weeks ago. Additional weight from the rain and perhaps the rain further weakening the snow near the ground caused these avalanches.

Coordinates