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Avalanche: Mineral Basin

Observer Name
B
Observation Date
Sunday, January 8, 2017
Avalanche Date
Sunday, January 8, 2017
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Snowbird Ski Resort » Mineral Basin
Location Name or Route
Mineral Basin
Elevation
9,800'
Aspect
North
Slope Angle
Unknown
Trigger
Natural
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Avalanche Problem
New Snow
Weak Layer
New Snow/Old Snow Interface
Depth
8"
Width
100'
Vertical
250'
Comments

Picture is of just one Avalanche that was part of a Widespread Natural Avalanche Cycle that began occurring around 1130 on Sunday in the North to Northeast Facing Backcountry Terrain just outside of the East Boundary in Mineral Basin. Cycle went on for at least 1.5 hours during a period of High PI, Moderate SW Winds, and rising Temperatures. In all, at least 6 separate Soft Slab Avalanches ranging from 6 to 8 inches deep released and were observed by 5 separate parties using the terrain. Slopes appeared to need Slope Angles of over 35 degrees. No one was either caught or went for a ride. Slope Cuts were also able to trigger similar Slabs on Slopes > 35 degrees. Slopes with Angles between 30 and 35 degrees were able to create initiation with "spider webbing/multiple cracking" but no propagation.

Coordinates