Avalanche

Avalanche: Scotties Bowl

Luke Gangi-WellmanSalt Lake
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Avalanche

Slab Width
9 m
Weak Layer
New Snow/Old Snow Interface
Trigger Type
Skier
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Slab Thickness
25 cm
Start Zone Aspect
Northwest
Avalanche Problem
New Snow
Start Zone Elevation
3048 m

First skier in our group ski cut the steep portion of the initial slope (N/NW) off Scottie's and triggered a small, isolated slide which broke above her. Slide broke at new/old interface and all debris were soft, new storm snow. Did not appear to be wind loaded. Not enough power to carry or bury to any significant degree. Approx. 10" deep and 30' wide.

We were able to trigger multiple other slides on our way down the run, all failing on storm slabs. We navigated this risk by riding one at a time through terrain >30 degrees. No evidence of instability on the approach ridge, and each slide broke in steep, isolated sections.

Most unsettling part of this experience were the multiple other groups who observed these slides and chose to continue down, riding above/on top of/and past our group as we documented the activity.