Avalanche

Avalanche: West Desolation Ridge

Torrey & CollettSalt Lake
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Quick report

Slope Angle
39°

Avalanche

Slab Width
8 m
Weak Layer
Facets
Trigger Type
Skier
Vertical Fall
183 m
Avalanche Type
Dry Loose
Slab Thickness
20 cm
Trigger Detail
Unintentionally Triggered
Start Zone Aspect
North
Avalanche Problem
New Snow
Start Zone Elevation
2835 m

On West Deso Ridge, we found 4–6 inches of new snow resting above very weak, loose facets. While descending a north-facing slope, we triggered a loose-dry avalanche. It initiated in the dense new snow and progressively gouged into the underlying facets. The avalanche was relatively slow-moving but entrained a notable amount of snow.