Avalanche

Gunsight Pass (Bridger Teton National Forest)

Shane CopelandSalt River and Wyoming Ranges
View on map

Quick report

Cracking
isolated
Collapsing
isolated

I observed a slab break from surface to dirt and slide down a 45 degree slope. It gained momentum the more the snow that was accumulated until it met its stopping point. Snow seemed very set up with solid base. This was on a north facing slope and the snow was super soft. It was the riders second pass up. We think his turn around highmark gave way for the slab to break at the top of the face.

Weather

Air Temp
34
Cloud Cover
clear
Wind Loading
moderate
Rain Elevation
0
Recent Snowfall
0
Snow Avail For Transport
moderate amounts

Clear sun shiny day.

Snowpack

Snowpack was hard pack with sugar snow on top. Old snowpack from two weeks ago.

Avalanche

Size
D2 R2
Type
HS
Aspect
N
Trigger
AM
Elevation
9878 ft

Avalanche started when snowmobiler peaked out on top of face. Luckily the rider made it over the top and was safe and secure. The slide was heading for myself and another rider but we cleared out before it reached us. Steep slope but isolated area with trees on both sides.