Avalanche: Brighton Perimeter

Observer Name
B
Observation Date
Monday, March 28, 2016
Avalanche Date
Monday, March 28, 2016
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Brighton Perimeter
Location Name or Route
Brighton Back Bowls
Elevation
10,100'
Aspect
Northwest
Slope Angle
Unknown
Trigger
Natural
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Avalanche Problem
New Snow
Weak Layer
Density Change
Depth
8"
Width
350'
Vertical
450'
Comments

A significant Widespread Soft Slab Avalanche Cycle appeared to occur between 1230 and 1400 on Slopes with N, NW, W and SW aspects, having Storm Slab Avalanches running fairly Long and piling up debris 2 to 3 feet deep in the bigger and more confined paths.

All of the Steep Terrain from the West Facing Boundary Area off Millicent wrapping around past Stupid Chute and to Old Reliable ran during this Widespread Cycle. Obscured Skies prevented any visibility and efforts to see any terrain outside of this small area, yet Brighton Patrol reported similar activity. This Reactive Sensitivity continued to be an issue throughout the day with Slope Cuts and Test Slopes having Propagation Propensity; and even on our exit at 1730 we were initiating avalanches very easily. At this point in time slides were up to 12 inches deep even in protected areas that were not receiving any signs of Wind Transport and or Loading. See video of Reactivity.

Video
Coordinates