Observer Name
Luke Gangi-Wellman
Observation Date
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Avalanche Date
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Scotties Bowl
Location Name or Route
Scottie's
Elevation
10,000'
Aspect
Northwest
Trigger
Skier
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Avalanche Problem
New Snow
Weak Layer
New Snow/Old Snow Interface
Depth
10"
Width
30'
Comments
First skier in our group ski cut the steep portion of the initial slope (N/NW) off Scottie's and triggered a small, isolated slide which broke above her. Slide broke at new/old interface and all debris were soft, new storm snow. Did not appear to be wind loaded. Not enough power to carry or bury to any significant degree. Approx. 10" deep and 30' wide.
We were able to trigger multiple other slides on our way down the run, all failing on storm slabs. We navigated this risk by riding one at a time through terrain >30 degrees. No evidence of instability on the approach ridge, and each slide broke in steep, isolated sections.
Most unsettling part of this experience were the multiple other groups who observed these slides and chose to continue down, riding above/on top of/and past our group as we documented the activity.
Coordinates