Incident

Avalanche: Ephraim Canyon

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Quick report

Slope Angle
38°

Avalanche

Slab Width
46 m
Weak Layer
Depth Hoar
Trigger Type
Snowmobiler
Vertical Fall
122 m
Avalanche Type
Hard Slab
Slab Thickness
107 cm
Start Zone Aspect
Northwest
Avalanche Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Start Zone Elevation
3139 m

Incident

Number Caught
1
Number Carried
1
Number Partly Buried
1

A group of experienced local snowmobilers were riding in Ephraim Canyon when the fourth rider on the hill started getting stuck, grabbed some throttle as he turned away from the slope, triggering the avalanche above him. He was carried about 200' down slope with only his hand sticking out of the snow. The group was prepared for their own self rescue and quickly excavated their buried partner. The sled was completely buried and took roughly an hour to dig out. The rider came out unscathed... the sled was not as lucky.