Avalanche

Avalanche: West Monitor

John MletschnigSalt Lake
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Quick report

Slope Angle
36°

Avalanche

Slab Width
24 m
Weak Layer
Facets
Trigger Type
Skier
Vertical Fall
183 m
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Slab Thickness
51 cm
Trigger Detail
Remotely Triggered
Start Zone Aspect
East
Avalanche Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Start Zone Elevation
2987 m

Three separate slides in near proximity to one and other. Not sure the trigger, though possible they were remotely triggered from the ridge or some released in sympathy to an initial slide. Forecaster note: UAC staff were on the ridge several days later and saw tracks that appeared to have triggered this slide remotely. What's interesting is the lower slide that appears to have occured sympathetically. Second photo was taken by us at the ridgetop where it was likely remotely triggered.

Also: In the foreground of the first picture, you can see a faint avalanche crown/flank from this slide on December 19.