Avalanche: Cardiac Ridge

Observer Name
Kobernik
Observation Date
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Avalanche Date
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Fork » Cardiac Ridge
Location Name or Route
Elevation
10,400'
Aspect
Southeast
Trigger
Natural
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Depth
12"
Width
150'
Vertical
600'
Comments

Some skiers were ascending a very popular route on Cardiac Ridge when the sun was heating up the newest snow. This started to cause

Comments

The skiers reached the ridge then very shortly afterward a natural slab avalanche released taking out a large portion of their up track. The debris was more then you would want to get caught in and these skiers were very lucky this didn't release just a little sooner.

This is a common mistake in that this southeast facing aspect is used by skiers a lot. During colder periods such as earlier in the season it is generally considered the safer approach. However, as the year porgresses and the sun starts to affect those aspects especially directly after new snow, this can be quite a dangerous route. Numerous people have had close calls just like this. It is safer to let the heat initiated avalanche activity do it's thing in the morning then ascend this route after the sun is starting go off it and the snow is cooling and becoming more stable.

Coordinates