Avalanche

Avalanche: Exxons Folley

T. MatthewsMoab
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Quick report

Slope Angle
40°

Avalanche

Slab Width
152 m
Weak Layer
Facets
Trigger Type
Natural
Vertical Fall
183 m
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Slab Thickness
76 cm
Start Zone Aspect
North
Avalanche Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Start Zone Elevation
3414 m

Second nature cycle of the season for the La Sals. This slope produced a smaller natural avalanche on 12/28/20. I suspect this avalanche failed during the peak PI rates of yesterdays storm. The 5+ inches of new snow that fell on Friday into Saturday morning was not enough of a new load to tip the scales, but that 5+ combined with last nights 9+ inches was enough to tip the scales. Could have also been loaded up from the southerly winds. Judging by the approximate depth of the crown and the lack of overall snowfall I think this failed on old November facets. Debris looked to be fairly smooth, so I am calling this avalanche a soft slab. SS-N-R3-D2-O