Observer Name
Kobernik
Observation Date
Saturday, February 20, 2021
Avalanche Date
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Region
Skyline » Ephraim Canyon
Location Name or Route
Ephraim Canyon road
Elevation
9,900'
Aspect
Southwest
Trigger
Natural
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Avalanche Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Weak Layer
Facets
Depth
3'
Width
175'
Vertical
400'
Comments
Southwest facing path that came across the road. This was just before the short cut turn off through the gully to Scotties. This one is notable because it is southerly facing and appears to have broken into the sugary facets at the base of the snowpack. I've been more concerned about southerly facing slopes this season compared to an average season and this confirms some of my thinking.
Comments
The debris pile on the road was around 6 feet deep. The snowcat groomer has already passed over this.
Comments
NOTE - there are a handful of larger slopes that are similar to this that threaten the road. Depending on future weather events, it is possible that we may see more of these southerly facing slopes release and hit the road. The diagram below indicates some other potential avalanche paths that might threaten people on the road below. The red shading color indicates slope steepness of 35˚ to 45˚.
Coordinates