Observer Name
Craig Gordon / Andrew Nassetta
Observation Date
Monday, January 22, 2018
Avalanche Date
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Region
Salt Lake » Snake Creek
Location Name or Route
Caribou Basin The Other Runs
Elevation
9,800'
Aspect
Northeast
Slope Angle
37°
Trigger
Snowmobiler
Trigger: additional info
Unintentionally Triggered
Avalanche Type
Hard Slab
Avalanche Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Weak Layer
Facets
Depth
2.5'
Width
250'
Vertical
500'
Snow Profile Comments
Crown profile from sled triggered avalanche that occurred on 1/21/18
Comments
Went to check out the slide in Caribou Basin reported on Jan. 21st. The avalanche was 2.5 to 3 feet deep, occurred on a NE slope at 9800' and failed above the thanksgiving rain crust on facets. The slide ran to a natural bench feature at the bottom of the slope and stacked up a sizable debris pile.
This is a good amount of snow and the rider who triggered the slide appeared to make it off the slab unharmed. Bottomline... avalanches continue breaking close to the ground, they're unmanageable and can easily ruin your day, end your season... or worse. There is great riding to be found on the south half of the compass where these persistent weak layers aren't hiding.
Comments
Looking across slope at the crown and bed surface
Downslope view of slide and runout
Yep,,, that's a sled track exiting the right flank of the slide. Super lucky... uneasy rider :)
Video
Coordinates