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Avalanche: East Bowl

Observer Name
JT
Observation Date
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Avalanche Date
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Silver Fork » East Bowl
Location Name or Route
East Bowl
Elevation
10,100'
Aspect
West
Trigger
Skier
Depth
8"
Width
25'
Caught
1
Carried
1
Comments
At approximately 2:30pm I ski cut across a steep (35-40 deg) west facing entry to East Bowl. The top 8 inches of new snow fractured easily and I was not able to traverse far enough north to lower angle terrain before being knocked off balance . Went for an unwanted 250-300 foot ride, deployed my avabag and lost a ski as the avalanche rapidly entrained surrounding fresh snow.
This is a notorious location that I should have avoided especially given Trent’s warning about thin, rocky, steep terrain. This spot has all three and I could have easily dropped a couple hundred feet and made a much safer entry. Fortunately, there was not a lot of propagation from the shallow crown. Only softer new snow failed and slope angle decreased quickly. I stayed afloat and was able to self rescue with no notable injuries.
Pics do not provide much clarity due to afternoon weather but expect to provide an update as I search for my missing ski on Thursday.
DD 40.60205, -111.61508 mid avalanche location
Coordinates