Avalanche

Avalanche: South Monitor Bowl

BSalt Lake
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Quick report

Slope Angle
42°

Avalanche

Slab Width
61 m
Weak Layer
Facets
Trigger Type
Natural
Vertical Fall
213 m
Avalanche Type
Hard Slab
Slab Thickness
36 cm
Start Zone Aspect
East
Avalanche Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Start Zone Elevation
3018 m

Up to 2 inches of NSF's were resting on a m/f crust prior to the latest event. Wind loading and heavy snowfall appeared to be the trigger. There was only 2 to 3 inches of snow on the bed surface, and this would have had the avalanche occurring mid to late afternoon on the 22nd. There may have been people walking on the ridge in the storm and remotely triggering via a collapse. Yet, as no one has discussed this possibility, it may have been triggered Naturally. The debris ran to the flats. R2, D3. Of Note; It appeared to initiate in a very shallow area right below the ridge, And, despite very weak snow left under the remaining m/f crust (bed surface), it did not step down.