Observer Name
Trenbeath
Observation Date
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Avalanche Date
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Region
Moab » Gold Basin
Location Name or Route
Mount Tukuhnikivatz
Elevation
11,800'
Aspect
North
Slope Angle
40°
Trigger
Natural
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Avalanche Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Weak Layer
Facets
Depth
3.5'
Width
250'
Vertical
600'
Comments
This slide was observed from a distance and appeared to be the result of recently deposited wind drifted snow overloading a persistent weak layer. On Friday, Nov 30, we received 10" of new followed by 20" more on Sunday with mostly light winds. This came in on top of about a 24" base that had been sitting around since mid October. No natural activity beyond loose sloughing was observed from this storm cycle. About 0400 this morning, SW winds increased into the 25-35 mph range with gusts to 40. This continued most of the day, and the avalanche was observed around 1100. A smaller, but similar in character avalanche occurred in close proximity.
