Avalanche

Avalanche: Gold Hill

Ted ScrogginUintas
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Quick report

Slope Angle
35°

Avalanche

Slab Width
21 m
Weak Layer
Facets
Trigger Type
Natural
Vertical Fall
46 m
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Slab Thickness
30 cm
Trigger Detail
Cornice Triggered
Start Zone Aspect
Northeast
Avalanche Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Start Zone Elevation
3048 m

Came across this slide from a few days ago, but not sure the exact time of the avalanche, possibly late last week or the weekend time frame. My take on it is a chunk of cornice broke off and triggered the slide. This slope avalanched early this month and the weak faceted snow that was left behind created shallow and weak conditions.

I threw in a photo from today showing the wind slab conditions that I was finding along the ridge lines. These wind slabs up to a foot and a half deep were just along and off the ridges and they were sitting on the weak old snow surface. I would think these should setle out rather quickly when the winds drop off.