Avalanche

Avalanche: Superior

Derek T.Salt Lake
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Avalanche

Slab Width
18 m
Weak Layer
Density Change
Trigger Type
Natural
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Slab Thickness
30 cm
Trigger Detail
Cornice Triggered
Start Zone Aspect
South
Avalanche Problem
Wind Slab
Start Zone Elevation
3353 m

Northern wind caused cornice failed and landed on northern wind caused wind slab that broke and ran to Superior apron.

High winds were observed during the entire ascent and large cornices building over most south facing slopes. North facing was completely wind scoured and held little to no new snow. Southeast and east facing aspects off the top had little new snow holding but a few hundred feet below the ridge line, the new snow held and skied nicely. Small sluff point releases occurred on the descent as expected with low density turns.

Lower Superior apron was more firm due to wind transport, but still holding good snow.