Observer Name
Jonathan Cracroft
Observation Date
Monday, February 25, 2013
Avalanche Date
Monday, February 25, 2013
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Hellgate
Location Name or Route
Hellgate
Elevation
10,000'
Aspect
Southeast
Slope Angle
39°
Trigger
Skier
Trigger: additional info
Remotely Triggered
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Avalanche Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Weak Layer
New Snow/Old Snow Interface
Depth
12"
Width
50'
Vertical
150'
Caught
1
Carried
1
Comments
There was some evidence of wind loading by the visibly defined cornices on the ridge above this slope. The cornices were one to two feel tall. We were unable to see the convex feature in the center of the slope from our point of drop-in. We were out on the mountain to do photography. We discussed the line in detail and safety before hand, but did not give the line a proper slope cut, nor did we dig a test pit. We discussed safety exits if things moved, which the skier was able to execute, but not before being pulled down and tumbled once. A shallow rock outcropping slowed the skiers movement as he tumbled, enough to separate him from the slab.
Coordinates