Avalanche

Avalanche: Superior

TF & WorthSalt Lake
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Avalanche

Slab Width
122 m
Weak Layer
Facets
Trigger Type
Natural
Avalanche Type
Hard Slab
Slab Thickness
122 cm
Trigger Detail
Cornice Triggered
Start Zone Aspect
East
Avalanche Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Start Zone Elevation
3170 m

Passing Cardiff Peak, we observed a large crown on the east facing ramp of Superior's South Face. The crown seems to be at least 4 feet deep and the avalanche ran 100 feet from the road. We assume that the avalanche happened naturally overnight or in the early morning hours since tracks weren't visible. With a scope, it appears that a natural cornice fall triggered the avalanche.

It's difficult to discern exactly what the trigger was and what interface the avalanche initially failed on, but it looks to have stepped down to the weak layer based on the size, aspect, and amount of visible rocks.

Drone Footage: Connor Worth