Observer Name
Staples, David, Dyer
Observation Date
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Avalanche Date
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Location Name or Route
Bountiful North
Elevation
8,100'
Aspect
East
Slope Angle
38°
Trigger
Snowmobiler
Trigger: additional info
Intentionally Triggered
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Avalanche Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Weak Layer
New Snow/Old Snow Interface
Depth
12"
Width
200'
Vertical
10'
Comments
We intentionally triggered two fresh slabs of wind drifted snow. It was wind slab resting on last nights new snow (the weak layer) resting on an ice crust.
It was remarkable how far it propagated - over 200' wide. But new snowflakes (stellars) are a lot like facets and make a great weak layer. They have sharp edges, don't bond well initially, and are very fragile and soft. The difference is that they break apart and dont persist.
Comments
We found this older slide (another wind slab) that riders had triggered maybe last weekend.
Coordinates