Avalanche
- Weak Layer
- Surface Hoar
- Trigger Type
- Natural
- Avalanche Type
- Soft Slab
- Start Zone Aspect
- East
- Avalanche Problem
- Persistent Weak Layer
- Start Zone Elevation
- 2286 m
Looks like a fairly extensive natural avalanche cycle occurred in the Wellsville Range with this week's storm. The Monday cycle included long-running soft slab avalanches at mid and lower elevations and in the foothills. We observed widespread surface hoar in the area late last week and suspect this as the culprit weak layer.
Photos are of surface hoar we observed on 1/17 near Cold Water Lake in the Wellsville Mountain Wilderness
This cycle appears to have been more active in the southern part of the Wellsville Range, with several large natural avalanches visible coming off Black Mountain, out of Snow Canyon, and off the main ridge above Dry Lake in Sardine Canyon.