Avalanche
- Trigger Type
- Natural
- Slab Thickness
- 15 cm
- Start Zone Aspect
- South
- Start Zone Elevation
- 2316 m
While driving down SR 190 after skiing Short Swing we observed a powder cloud up one of the south facing steep slopes 100 to 200 feet above the road. After seeing a small sluff hit the road the powder cloud engulfed a silver 4Runner that was traveling up canyon. The impact of the slide was sufficient to move the vehicle into the snow bank. All passengers in the vehicle were able to get themselves out of the vehcile with no injuries. Fortunately, the down hill traffic was primiarly comprised of backcountry skiers, so we were able to quickly dig the vehicle out and clear one lane of traffic.
A few comments. The passengers in the vehicle immediately got out of the car and sat on top of it to pose for pictures as we began to dig. Once someone from UDOT showed up with extra shovels various people started digging without a beacon. Others were wearing beacons but had turned them off as they had finished their tour and were on the way home. Our group had to remind people that we were digging because of avalanche activity. If you're already wearing a beacon and you're driving down the canyon on a high or extreme day, just leave your beacon on until you're home. If you don't have a beacon or necessary equipment and others do, maintain a safe distance.