Observer Name
Prescott
Observation Date
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Avalanche Date
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Little Superior
Location Name or Route
Little Superior
Elevation
10,300'
Aspect
Southeast
Trigger
Snowboarder
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Avalanche Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Weak Layer
Density Change
Depth
18"
Width
60'
Vertical
800'
Carried
1
Comments
Party of 3 climbed to Cardiff Pass then west toward Superior. Experienced moderate wind and a few stronger gusts - consistent with the last few days' forecasts. Stopped to transition just short of Little Superior intending to ride the higher ground on SE aspect. First rider began to traverse right to reach that point and triggered the slab within seconds. Party member above reports feeling a collapse underfoot - it's possible the trigger was from above. Rider attempted to move right and didn't make much progress before falling into seated position and "swimming" to stay on top. Rider was carried about 60 feet before coming to a stop without burial. The slide ran at least 800? vertical feet down the gully towards Two Trees - didn't get a great look at the full path on the exit. Party continued right and descended ridges.
In hindsight:
- We did not respect the forecast in our terrain choice. The group was familiar with recent forecasts and discussed impact of the wind multiple times but opted to continue with original objective after *very* casual observations along the skin track didn't expose activity.
- A few tens of yards of climbing could have made the difference in terrain. Because we stopped short it was necessary to make a small traverse to the safer high ground, but doing so meant crossing above an obvious trap. Transitioning a bit further ahead would have kept us out of the gully and on safer terrain from the start.
- The transition had thin cover in places and exposed rocks. Could have noted the weak point and taken it into account.
Close call and humbling for sure.
Coordinates