Skier triggered wind slab that broke above them. They were able to self arrest on the bed surface
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Avalanche Conditions:
Yesterday, while most of the older wind drifts were labeled stubborn and plenty of steep lines were skied and boarded, there was scattered avalanche activity throughout the range. In the central Wasatch backcountry, people were able to trigger soft slabs and sluffs, 6 to 12” deep, and up to 30’ across – just big enough to take you for a ride. Down in the Provo mountains, a skier had a small hard slab break out above him on a 40 degrees test slope. It was about 50’ wide, up to 10” deep, on a northeast facing slope. Control work in upper Little Cottonwood triggered just one larger hard slab on a very heavily wind loaded slope.
Today, once again, fresh drifts of wind blown snow are going to be the greatest avalanche concern. The most widespread and largest wind drifts will be along the highest ridgelines. Along these ridges, multiple layers of wind slabs exist, and there is a possibility of triggering one of the older wind slabs, which would result in a wider, deeper slide. Off the highest ridges and peaks, the wind drifts will be shallower and more isolated, but should still be avoided on slopes approaching 35 degrees and steeper. Watch for the drifting of snow around sub ridges, gully walls and midslope breakovers. Cornices are continuing to grow, and should be given a wide berth as they may break out larger than expected.