Avalanche

Avalanche: Aspen Grove

Bryan BihlmaierProvo
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Avalanche

Slab Width
15 m
Trigger Type
Natural
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Slab Thickness
30 cm
Start Zone Aspect
Northeast
Avalanche Problem
New Snow
Start Zone Elevation
2621 m

Three nautral avalanches occured apparently during the storm cycle Thursday night Feb 13-14, based on the depth of the slides and new snow depth. Crowns and debris were covered by several additional inches of storm snow. All likely failed within density changes in the storm snow. (While traveling I noticed high-density snow on top of low-density within the new storm snow). All fractures occured below the ridgline NE of Bob's Knob. One failed at a slope rollover, the other two had no obvious trigger point but perhaps wind loading was the source.

In 16 years of skiing this area I have never personally seen any slides on this slope. I expect the areas between existing slide paths is also likely to slide, as the aspect and slope angle is farily consistent along the entire face. Because of the remaining danger, I did not get close enough to make detailed observations. Depth is an estimate based on storm snow depth and snow depth covering debris.