This was a very interesting avalanche because of how connected the slab was. This slope is concave (like the inside curve of a frying pan) and it looked like the grauple pooled at the transition zone creating a weak layer. How the slab became so connected and cohesive is the million dollar question?

My theory would be that the Hogum headwall must of seen a sustained period of wind, (15-30 mph) whether that wind blew up canyon or down canyon remains pure speculation, as I was a long ways out from this avalanche. It could of also been because of an intense precipitation spike during the storm as well. However, the avalanche looked fairly recent.

Not sure if heat or settlement of the new snow had any role in slab formation, as it was still very cold on the north aspects when I noticed this avalanche. This was the only avalanched I observed in my travels today and really the only instability worth mentioning.

I did take a step back and had to realize this was a big avalanche, I was surprised to see such a connected slab. I would put this avalanche in the unmanageable category. I did cautiously continue with my planned tour and had no troubles in any of the steeper north facing aprons.

FORECASTER COMMENTS: This most likely failed on a layer of graupel that rolled off the steeper slopes and pooled below. We were finding areas with graupel pooling directly after the storm. Most areas with pooling were not all that sensitive but it was noted in our travels. Kobernik

Second Photo: Jim Harris

As for the rest of the day.... It was enjoy being in the alpine and taking in the many amazing Wasatch views.