Bill Hunt

Ogden » Snowbasin Backcountry

Snowbasin Backcountry

Northfacing above 9100' was still decent boarding midday today, though softer than ideal. Test booting was very unconsolidated. I didn't go lower or get on other aspects. Interesting glide cracks have opened up in a number of areas over rocky slabs. These are ~9000', NE facing. I backed off of a steep line last weekend because of concern about bonding to rock slabs; and I would certainly not consider a line like that in todays heat. The forecast is right on about avoiding known glide avalanche areas. I see that Stairs and Broads fork have observations today for slides on the 11th. Hopefully the incoming storm will solidify things.

Above, the subpeak in the foreground above is about 7500 feet, and the south facing slope is on the left. So there is no snow below 7500 feet on this south-facing slope. There is a SE slope there as well with no snow to 7000 feet, and SW is similar, unfortunately.

Above, I've been meaning to post some "avi debris sightseeing" photos from a tour last month on the west side of Mt Allen. I think this debris pile would still be there if you hike all the way up Taylor canyon. This came off of the west side of Mt Allen in the big wet slide cycle we had in February. Its the furthest I've seen a slide run in this area, by over 100 yards. Its also the "wettest" looking debris I've ever seen, with no big chunks. Scary Larry's chute was a major contributor, with additional slides coming off the ridge between Malans and Taylor canyon; scouring and re-scouring the runout into interesting formations. Below, 10 foot high scour walls on both sides of this "riverbed-like" debris slidepath. Next, the smoothest turning bed surface I have ever had the pleasure to find (it had 2" of fresh on it). Next, the "least-chunky" wet slide debris pile I have seen.. seemed like it had just oozed down there like a giant pile of toothpaste; I suppose in one of those storms that was heavy rain below 7000'.

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