Surprise Heat?

Map for Mountain Information Network report: Surprise Heat?

Information

Avalanche date/time
Monday, December 23, 2024 at 21:00
Estimated occurrence time of avalanche
Less than 12 hours ago
Number of avalanches in this report
1
The size of avalanche
2
Slab thickness
40cm
Slab width
20m
Run length
40m
Avalanche Character
  • Deep persistent slab
  • Loose wet
Trigger type
Skier
Trigger subtype
Accidental
Start zone aspect
  • W
Start zone elevation band
  • Below treeline
Start zone elevation
2,040m
Start zone incline
30°
Runout zone elevation
2,000m
Weak layer crystal type
  • Facets
Crust near weak layer
Yes
Vegetation cover
Sparse trees or gladed slope

Comments

Some weird snow across the west aspect of Ogden, 3rd slide path was very mixed depths and snow got to cake density slab 2/3rd of the way up. We jumped into the trees to avoid snow hazards. Snow was decent at reeling for shorter laps. On the exit we tried to find less dense Christmas tree exits. Some rocky outcropping provided more variable depths of snow. Sun peaked out quite strong for about a half hour in the early afternoon with some surprisingly strong heat. Pinwheeling started so we were already heads-up. I dropped into a 50m section skiing it piecemeal. On one turn my tails kicked off the slide as I moved past the pocket overhanging a cliff.