Avalanche: Banana Chute

Observer Name
Derek DeBruin
Observation Date
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Avalanche Date
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Region
Ogden » Snowbasin Backcountry » Banana Chute
Location Name or Route
Banana Chute, Allen Peak, Mount Ogden
Elevation
8,800'
Aspect
Northwest
Slope Angle
35°
Trigger
Skier
Trigger: additional info
Intentionally Triggered
Avalanche Type
Hard Slab
Avalanche Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Weak Layer
New Snow/Old Snow Interface
Depth
8"
Width
40'
Vertical
50'
Comments
Released a handful of small wind pockets while descending the Banana Chute. Slides released on the new/old snow interface on wind affected pockets of the new snow, typically around 6 to 8" deep, give or take. Slabs were generally soft (<=4F), though there were zones that seemed a bit harder, which we generally avoided when possible. First photo is of one of the bigger releases. We also set off an isolated cornice/hard wind slab while ascending the ridge to the top of Allen Peak (second photo).