Avalanche: Bald Mountain

Left Salt Lake City at 7am, should have left at 530am. Drove over Bald Mtn. Pass and parked at base of Bald Mountain's East Face. Ascended East ridge to summit. Snow was mostly supportable except near rock bands and around vegetation. Was able to ascend to summit entirely on snow except for last 100 yards of bare boulders. Upon descent, found a ramp onto main face. Performed ski cut along upper portion of the ramp and the ensuing wet loose avalanche began entraining snow. Picked up speed and pulled snow from flanks up to 40 feet wide. Ended up continuing to run full track, nearly 1200'. Cascaded over several small cliffs and snow continued to run for a few minutes. The debris pile was 3' to 4' deep. Exited on bed surface and pulled off to lower angle flank. The remaining party on the ridge had split up and one had returned to car with dog prior to slide. The remaining three saw the slide and made their way down. One snowboarder created a smaller slide running slower, but equal vertical. struck some trees and through several large rocks ahead of the deluge. Final two skiers made their way far skier's left. That portion of the slope was just a few degrees less steep, and thus they created no significant releases. Carried on and headed to North facing Murdock Peak from Bald Mountain Pass. Ascent was up north west ridge to small shots above the highway. NO instability noted. Photos: 1. Bald Mountain East Face 2. Starting zone 3. Debris pile 4. Snow on Bald Mountain Pass

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