Avalanche

Avalanche: Gold Basin

Tim MatthewsMoab
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Avalanche

Trigger Type
Natural
Vertical Fall
137 m
Avalanche Type
Cornice Fall
Trigger Detail
Cornice Triggered
Start Zone Aspect
Northeast
Avalanche Problem
Cornice
Start Zone Elevation
3627 m

As the temps continue to increase these large cornices will continue to be quite senstive to natural and human triggers. Travel considerations would be to not place yourself under them, or finding yourself walking on top of them. Give these giants a wide berth. Todays temps seemed to be a bit inverted as it was 47 degrees F at 11,400' @ 13:00, and 45 @10,000' at the same time. Also, felt a bit more of a breeze down in the basin than in the high alpine. Unusual for the La Sals indeed. Benson and Martin reported avalanches in this same location on the 23rd and 28th of March. Both of those where slab avalanches invloving wind and new storm snow. Those crowns are still somewhat visible, but unrelated to this cornice fall.