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Avalanche: Moonlight

Observer Name
Agardy / Pauline
Observation Date
Sunday, January 15, 2023
Avalanche Date
Sunday, January 15, 2023
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mineral Fork » Moonlight
Location Name or Route
Mineral -> Moonlight
Elevation
9,800'
Aspect
North
Slope Angle
Unknown
Trigger
Natural
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Avalanche Problem
New Snow
Weak Layer
Density Change
Depth
Unknown
Width
Unknown
Vertical
1,000'
Comments
While pulling skins in high Moonlight ~ 9500 ft around 12:30 pm, 3 natural slides descended down the main apron - in rapid order - narrowly missing us. We were situated
on a tiny subridge beneath a stand of trees. Zero wind and extremely high precipitation rates. New snow was perhaps 16-18". On our first lap we experienced no instabilities - yet with the high PI rate - maybe 3-4" had been added on the 2nd lap- leading to what we all concluded was just new snow instability in steep avalanche terrain. It appeared they all originated at the ridge - maybe 500' above our position and continued approximately 500' below our position. Left a fairly impressive debris field. Would have been enough to knock you down and take you for a ride,
Also - on our first lap - I cut off one of the low rolls at the bottom, right above the road - I estimate 12" deep and 50' across - also just in the new snow as well.
Decided it was a good time to call it a day and chalk up to experience - don't forget about new snow above yer head when its snowing at 2" / hr. No photos.
Coordinates