Observer Name
Dan B
Observation Date
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Avalanche Date
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill B South
Location Name or Route
Mill B South
Elevation
8,400'
Aspect
Northeast
Slope Angle
35°
Trigger
Natural
Avalanche Type
Glide
Avalanche Problem
Gliding Snow
Weak Layer
Ground Interface
Depth
4"
Width
50'
Vertical
200'
Comments
While hiking into upper Mill B South this morning our party observed a debris pile from a distance. As we got closer we could see this was a small but impressive glide Avalanche which fell into a pronounced gully used to access to the higher terrain in the western drainage. Upon our exit we were able to closely examine the slide. Photos show our first sighting, closer views on ascent, images at the toe of the slide.
As we progressed higher toward our planned decent we encountered wind effects on steep north facing slopes, 35-40 degrees, and encountered a pronounced collapse with a loud ripping report which sent me skinning backwards with my orifices puckered. My partner felt the collapse then experienced cracking as he was moving toward me. We bailed on our objective at that point. Very interesting day for a low to moderate rated day. There were many red flags experienced during our tour.
Comments
Keep your eyes, ears and senses alert in the northern facing alpine.