Avalanche: Gunsight

Observer Name
Mark Davenport
Observation Date
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Avalanche Date
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Alta Ski Area » Gunsight
Location Name or Route
Alta - Gunsight
Elevation
10,200'
Aspect
Northeast
Trigger
Skier
Depth
6"
Width
30'
Comments
We triggered a slide in the start zone atop the Gunsight gully feature at Alta. With similar slides reported at similar aspects and elevations yesterday, as well as steady snowfall and ridgetop winds, we were on guard for the new snow/wind-deposited snow to be sensitive. It was: the first skier triggered the slide on a cut, and it went went wall-to-wall with a crown ranging from 3-8". The slab ran about 200' without enough energy or cohesion to carry a skier. But with more snow and the winds still blowing, I would remain wary of more consequential terrain for at least another day as these types of slides will probably get bigger and touchier before all is said and done. Season isn't over til it's over, so stay safe out there everyone.
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