Avalanche

Avalanche: Mineral Fork

Jake OSalt Lake
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Avalanche

Slab Width
122 m
Weak Layer
Facets
Trigger Type
Natural
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Slab Thickness
30 cm
Start Zone Aspect
East
Avalanche Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Start Zone Elevation
2835 m

Noticed shooting cracks and whumfing on the low angle ridge and meadow below the Mineral Fork Ridgeline. We had discussed concerns with the ridge planning to give it a wide berth but found it to be flushed clean by a large natural avalanche. Started at the break over near rocks on what is estimated to be a 35 or 40 degree slope. Basically slid to the ground depositing some large debris piles in the timber and the base of the face. Probably ran about 400 vertical.