Avalanche

Avalanche: Pioneer Peak

pattersonSalt Lake
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Quick report

Slope Angle
40°

Avalanche

Slab Width
15 m
Weak Layer
Density Change
Trigger Type
Skier
Vertical Fall
107 m
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Slab Thickness
25 cm
Trigger Detail
Unintentionally Triggered
Start Zone Aspect
Northeast
Avalanche Problem
Wind Slab
Start Zone Elevation
3109 m

Out ridge walking today, started triggering shallow SS's on my exit out the ridge from False Pioneer Pk towards Dog Lake Chutes. All had east component to them, loaded from the strong westerly winds after frontal passage this morning. Snow had that slabby feel to it today, but was surprised at how quickly these propagated and picked up steam, entraining snow and producing good powder clouds. Felt manageable unless one was to be caught unaware in unforgiving terrain.

Debris pile that ran about 350'.

Triggered this SS-AS-D1 well off a lower intermediate ridge line, wind had it's way down here as well but you needed a steep enough slope angle to get things moving.