Avalanche: Humpy Chutes

Observer Name
Craig Gordon/Summit County SAR
Observation Date
Monday, March 7, 2022
Avalanche Date
Monday, March 7, 2022
Region
Uintas » Humpy Chutes
Location Name or Route
Humpy Peak
Elevation
10,400'
Aspect
Northeast
Trigger
Snowmobiler
Trigger: additional info
Unintentionally Triggered
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Avalanche Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Weak Layer
Facets
Depth
2'
Width
150'
Vertical
150'
Caught
1
Carried
1
Buried - Fully
1
Comments
We're still sifting through details, but here's what we know about a close call late Monday afternoon near Humpy Peak-
A group of sledders is riding in the Humpy drainage when one snowmobiler triggers a connected piece of snow on a steep, north facing slope which catches, carries, and buries another rider in a terrain trap (small gully). The rider tries to deploy his airbag, though is unable to successfully engage and he's buried with a hand sticking out of the snow. The sledder briefly loses consciousness, but everyone in the group is wearing avalanche rescue gear and they quickly locate the buried rider and dig him out. The group is pretty rattled, but after taking some time to regroup in the Whitney Basin warming hut, they ride back to their rigs and return home safely.. Whew... close call!
Coordinates