Avalanche

Avalanche: Mary Ellen

VidarSalt Lake
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Avalanche

Slab Width
3 m
Weak Layer
New Snow
Trigger Type
Skier
Avalanche Type
Wet Loose
Slab Thickness
5 cm
Trigger Detail
Intentionally Triggered
Start Zone Aspect
Southeast
Avalanche Problem
Wet Snow
Start Zone Elevation
3018 m

Very small, slow moving, wet loose avalanche triggered by ski cut on a convex slope, roughly 35 degrees. Partner went down first on a less convex section and didn't trigger anything. Snow failed on a smooth thin crust from the second to last snow storm, and only snow from the last 2-3 inch storm moved. Traveled 100 feet or so, not enough to bury anyone, but maybe enough to knock you off your feet if you were surprised by it. We also noticed roller balls and sloughs breaking on the same layer where the snow warmed enough. Decided to move to colder snow after this.