Avalanche

Avalanche: Sheep Shit Ridge

Reich, ReichSalt Lake
View on map

Avalanche

Slab Width
457 m
Weak Layer
Facets
Trigger Type
Skier
Avalanche Type
Hard Slab
Slab Thickness
91 cm
Trigger Detail
Remotely Triggered
Start Zone Aspect
Northeast
Avalanche Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Start Zone Elevation
2835 m

Remote trigger of the northeast and east slope of Sheep Shit Ridge - I had a significant collapse at the top of Sheep Shit Ridge. My partner, just down the ridge, was able to see the slide occur with a starting zone at the top of the N/E facing ridge. I was unaware of the avalanche until I was alerted and traveled back down the ridge to a point to see. We traversed the ridge to multiple vantage points to assess the width. At many points it went beyond our view. The full width was significantly more than 1000 feet. The starting zone was estimated to be a steepness in the mid 40 degrees. We assume this ran full length which is about 400 feet. Notable cracking was observed beyond the crown on both sides.