Avalanche: Scottys

This avalanche released sometime between Thanksgiving day (Nov 28) and Saturday, Nov 30. It is obvious that it broke into faceted snow near the ground. There was no significant weather event to cause it to release naturally so this suggests that it was most likely triggered by a snowmobiler. It's very possible that it was triggered from a distance, perhaps from the flat terrain above it or adjacent to it, and the rider didn't even know.

At this point in time, this avalanche path could release again, especially if provoked by an unknowing rider cutting through the meadow below it. There have been numerous avalanche paths around the state that have released a second time this season. One that possibly fits this was in Six Mile Canyon (DETAILS HERE)

This is a dangerous situation right now because many riders use this little short cut (and it's really good riding through here!) to get into Scotty's. I actually enjoy riding through the meadows below this path when conditions are stable but you won't catch me doing it right now. If you chose to ride through here, I urge you not to ride up onto the slope because there is a distinct possibility that you could trigger this from low on the slope and have the thing come crashing down on top of you.

The reason avalanche paths that have already released are dangerous right now can be explained. Here's the progression: