Avalanche: American Fork

Observer Name
B
Observation Date
Sunday, January 15, 2023
Avalanche Date
Sunday, January 15, 2023
Region
Provo » American Fork
Location Name or Route
Lower Mineral Basin
Elevation
9,600'
Aspect
North
Trigger
Natural
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Avalanche Problem
New Snow
Weak Layer
Density Change
Depth
18"
Width
300'
Vertical
350'
Comments
Multiple Soft Slab/Storm Slabs observed from 1100 hours until 1330. Slope cuts easily triggering Storm Slabs and average depths were 45 cm. Reactive/Touchy weak layer was a density change of light density snow just above the old snow surface that then got buried by slightly more dense snow creating an inversion in the new snow. At 1330 a Natural Storm Slab avalanche propagated 300 feet wide across a moderately small mid slope bowl feature. The depth appeared to be similar to the previously cited crowns. It ran at least 100 meters. S5 Precipitation Rates continued throughout the day with Storm totals at 1100 hours 40 cm. Accumulations during the day until exiting at 1400 added at least another 15 to 25 cm of light density snow.
Coordinates