Avalanche: Niotche Creek

There was a widespread avalanche cycle that occurred in the Fish Lake region. Timing was probably similar to the Manti Skyline ranging from around Feb 16 to Feb 22. Many of the fracture lines were filled back in indicating that those slides ran earlier in the cycle. Some were still pretty crisp and visible indicating they ran later in the cycle. Many of the usual suspect slopes avalanched. However, it is important to note that there were many avalanches on slopes that are more uncommon to see avalanches on. Kreig and Brock Rasmussen noted that there were slides on a number of slopes that they've never seen avalanche before. Fracture line depths ranged from 1 1/2' to 3'.

The snowpack structure is similar to the Manti Skyline. Shallow early season conditions prevailed through January forming an unprecidented layer of loose sugary faceted snow. Numerous layers were added starting late January and then a large storm dumped 2 to 3 feet of snow. It was this large storm plus windy conditions following the storm that overloaded the weak underlying faceted snow and caused the widespread avalanche cycle. All the photos are from the Niotche Creek area. With all the activity here, it is assumed that many other steep slopes around the region also avalanched.