Avalanche

Avalanche: Toledo Chutes

Ambler, NoteboomSalt Lake
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Avalanche

Slab Width
3 m
Weak Layer
New Snow/Old Snow Interface
Trigger Type
Skier
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Slab Thickness
13 cm
Start Zone Aspect
Southeast
Avalanche Problem
Wind Slab
Start Zone Elevation
3109 m

As we traversed above toledo chute and the western portion of toledo bowl we noted snow being transported by the wind and variable snow depth peaking at over a foot. Moderate winds generally from the west had strong gusts and were moving grounded snow as well as directing the incoming flakes. Under our feet some sluffing was happening but also noted were some short shooting cracks and a few small slabs of wind drifted snow breaking off and sliding into the whiteout. Winds look like they're going to taper off but I imagine with the further afternoon wind and snow this problem may have gotten worse than the small, relatively inconsequential slides we encountered this morning.

This image was taken later in the day when the sun came out and demonstrates the wind affected snow. However this was at snowbird and not toledo bowl.