Check out our Holiday Auction - Sign Up for the Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop (USAW)

Avalanche: West Monitor

Observer Name
Dave
Observation Date
Thursday, November 28, 2024
Avalanche Date
Thursday, November 28, 2024
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline » Monitors » West Monitor
Location Name or Route
West Monitor Bowl
Elevation
9,800'
Aspect
Northeast
Slope Angle
35°
Trigger
Snowboarder
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Avalanche Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Weak Layer
Facets
Depth
18"
Width
150'
Vertical
600'
Caught
1
Comments
Pretty large slide in west monitor on the more NE facing right side. Buddy dropped in and it ripped out on his 2nd turn, he was able to pin it left and get out of the way. Ran on october facets and took the rest of the pack with it, 18-24" deep. 800' or so vert all the way into the flats
We all knew the forecast, snowpack, weather history, etc just simple poor decision making - had a bit too much confidence after seeing what people got away with riding yesterday and kind of ignored the problem that was obviously still there. Made it back for thanksgiving dinner and had a great learning experience for all.
[Forecaster Comment: Thank you for the write up and observation.]
Coordinates