Avalanche: Willows

Observer Name
kelly robbins
Observation Date
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Avalanche Date
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Willows
Location Name or Route
Ridge dividing E. Willow and USA Bowl
Elevation
9,500'
Aspect
North
Slope Angle
35°
Trigger
Natural
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Depth
10"
Width
30'
Vertical
50'
Comments

I don't think this has been reported yet, and I'm pretty sure it released mid-day, just after the snow lifted and skies cleared. As I was skinning the ridge between E. Willow/USA Bowl, I didn't see any activity in this pocket, which released last year in this exact spot. A couple hours later while-20 heading up towards Will's Hill, I looked back and saw that a small slab released from a steep open section, that rolls over into thick trees. I couldn't quite make it out, but from the picture it also looks like a second slab released down and skier's R of the first slab.

Also, lots of other shallow (10-20cm) soft slabs released naturally today, some triggered by snow dropping from over-hanging trees.

And, lots of intentionally triggered soft slab activity in steeper terrain.

Coordinates