Avalanche

Avalanche: Spire

J. OstlindSalt Lake
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Avalanche

Slab Width
15 m
Weak Layer
Facets
Trigger Type
Skier
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Slab Thickness
61 cm
Trigger Detail
Remotely Triggered
Start Zone Aspect
Northeast
Avalanche Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Start Zone Elevation
2926 m

We noticed lots of whumfing throughout the day skiing in the Dog Dish area. Also saw large slide on northern Tri Chute (seperate observation). On our way out we approached a steep rollover on the northeast flank of the spire. Testing the slope resulted in another loud whumf. We anticipated the slope might likely slide but considered the terrain to be low consequence and the slab depth to be fairly shallow. First skier on the slope triggered a slab that released once skier was near the bottom of the run. Skier was not carried or caught. Good sized debris pile a couple feet deep accumulated at the bottom of the slope. Angle at the top was likely around 35 degrees. Depth or crown 24"-30".