Avalanche

Avalanche: Neffs

Zach SSalt Lake
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Avalanche

Slab Width
30 m
Weak Layer
Density Change
Trigger Type
Skier
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Slab Thickness
15 cm
Start Zone Aspect
Northwest
Avalanche Problem
New Snow
Start Zone Elevation
2835 m

Today I stumbled upon a nice looking couloir in Neffs canyon. The couloir was fairly steep so I expected that the snow would react. I entered the couloir near the top from the south and cut laterally across the couloir. The ski cut triggered a storm slab (wind drifted snow was also transported into the chute) about 6-8 inches deep. The slab was very cohesive and triggered pockets lower in the couloir. The terrain was closed so I decided to slowly head down--although still cognizant that something could still be released from above. As I skied down I noticed many crowns throughout the couloir, not to mention a large debris pile in the apron. Before I made the cut, I was expecting to trigger a slab. However, it ended up propagating farther than I expected. The slab wasn't deep, but a fall in the couloir would be fairly dangerous.

PS: Apologies for forgetting to take detailed photos.