Observer Name
Keith L.
Observation Date
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Avalanche Date
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Monte Cristo
Location Name or Route
Monte Cristo Directissimo
Elevation
9,800'
Aspect
South
Trigger
Natural
Depth
8"
Width
10'
Comments
Today's UAC forecast was spot on, with the #1 avalanche problem being new snow on steep slopes.
On our way dropping into Monte Cristo Directissimo ridgeline, we triggered numerous small and manageable sluffs. The sluffs were just in the new snow, approximately 6-10 inches deep. A couple of the sluffs propagated beyond our ski tips/tails into very small soft slabs.
We hit the rappels around 11am, when the sun just started to poke through the clouds. During our short time rappelling, 4 naturally-triggered sizable sluffs poured through the notch we were descending. Each sluff could have been big enough to knock a skier off his feet and carry him over the cliffs.
Remember to be extra vigilant out there when skiing above no-fall terrain.
Also, in all the excitement of the snow pouring past us in the chute, I left an ice axe at the bush rappel anchor on skier's right. If anyone finds it and is kind enough to return it, shoot me a text at 607 - 237 - 7895. Thanks.