Observer Name
Noah Sievers
Observation Date
Monday, February 3, 2025
Avalanche Date
Sunday, February 2, 2025
Region
Ogden » Snowbasin Backcountry » Hells Canyon
Location Name or Route
Hells Canyon
Elevation
8,300'
Aspect
Northeast
Trigger
Natural
Avalanche Type
Wet Slab
Avalanche Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Weak Layer
Facets
Depth
Unknown
Width
Unknown
Vertical
600'
Comments
*This may have already been submitted, but I figured it is still useful as to how touchy the backcountry is currently.* Went for a short skin yesterday outside of Hells Canyon. Our group observed numerous natural avalanches within the Hells Canyon zone/Backcountry Permieter of Snowbasin Ski Resort, ranging from D1 to D2 in size. Yellow crown lines are confirmed release zones, whereas the orange lines were difficult to ascertain or confirm. The deepest crowns were found just below ridgeline, where recent westerly winds had the most impact. Either way, this widespread natural avalanche cycle likely ran overnight on 2/2 once snowfall veered towards rain/new snow densitites further increased. No skier/rider tracks were noted within the zone, yet one can surmise (based off the NE through E terrain that encompasses Hells) that these failed naturally on the weak new/old snow interface(s) that were buried on 2/1. Most crowns were widely propagating, yet none appeared to step down towards our lower, near ground PWL interface. The tracks of the avalanches appeared to be deeply gouging and long running - with mixed in soil and rock within the debris zones. Although a majority of these were slab avalanches comprised of wet snow, the debris was very representive of loose wet debris due to the water content of our recent new snow, and warm temps. I would imagine there are more crowns/point releases mixed in, but hidden from view.
Coordinates