Observer Name
Derek and Trevor
Observation Date
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Avalanche Date
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Coalpit 4
Location Name or Route
Coal Pit 4
Elevation
9,000'
Aspect
North
Trigger
Natural
Trigger: additional info
Cornice Triggered
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Avalanche Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Weak Layer
Density Change
Depth
Unknown
Width
Unknown
Caught
2
Carried
1
Snow Profile Comments
We observed some wind deposits in the gully but mostly wind burned snow that we assumed was due to the lower canyon elevation and lack of protection.
The debris field was a combination of soft snow and chunky debris, potentially indicating cornice fall into wind slab. The debris deposited roughly two meters deep in the middle of the gully and was 200 meters long
We don’t know where the slide originated from other than above us, but it hit me like a punch to the face.
Comments
Ascending CP4, we had just stopped to transition to booter on the observer right of the gully at 6,426' when the avalanche slide engulfed the gully and took me for a ride.
Luckily, skis were already off my back and I was on the edge of the path as it drug me down the gully. I was pulled over some willows but able to stay on top and kick to the bottom to stay up right. Carried for 60meters or so. The debris field was close to 2meters in the middle of the gully and buried my two ski and poles and one of my partners as he was able to arrest on top of one them.
We searched for a minute then left due to continued wind loading and that uncomfortable feeling staying in the slide path.
Comments
Forecaster Comments: Strong E/NE winds aloft and strong down canyon winds drifting and loading unusual terrain this morning. Best guess is that these winds led to natural cornice fall near the top (9000') which in turn triggered either a loose dry new snow and/or shallow soft slab of wind drifted snow.
Coordinates