Public Observation
Observation Details
Observation Date:
March 5, 2023Submitted:
March 7, 2023Zone or Region:
Slab Butte/Wong’s Bowl AreaActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
West face Slab ButteObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Elevation:
8000 ftAspect:
WComments:
Observed this natural avalanche from across the valley while on Granite Mountain. Estimates from topo map look to make it about 500’ wide and ran about 800’. Crown depth hard to estimate from so far away, but would guess at least 2 feet? Starting zone appears to be approaching 40 degrees. Skiers right of avalanche appeared to have stauchwall?Photo:
Signs of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
We observed this around 11:30 in the morning after the sky cleared. We also observed numerous point releases in the top 4” of new snow on steeper terrain, as well as multiple soft slabs(40’-60’ x 6”) that released during storm and had new snow on top.
This avalanche was noteworthy as it occurred in an area we often ski/traverse with our groups on lower hazard days.
Sorry for the delayed observation, some confusion in our group as to who would submit, saw your photo in today’s forecast.