Observer Name
Cpt. Jack
Observation Date
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Avalanche Date
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Region
Ogden » Snowbasin Backcountry
Location Name or Route
Race Starts
Elevation
9,400'
Aspect
Southeast
Trigger
Skier
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Avalanche Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Weak Layer
Density Change
Depth
2'
Width
100'
Vertical
450'
Comments
Decided to tour above Porcupine Lift today to hit the Race Starts. I observed the lower start had slid overnight and there was light wind loading coming from the west. I also found some shallow cracking here and there on the ascent. I knew there was a high probability that the middle or upper start would slide but I still convinced myself I could get away with skiing the middle. I figured the terrain wasn't too consequential, it has no terrain traps.
I intentionally ski cut the middle Race Start, skiing left towards the spur between middle and upper. The whole middle bowl ripped from the top and luckily I planned my ski cut well enough. The slope shattered around me but I was easily able to ski 15 feet left to safety on the spur.
The wind slab broke about 2' deep, 100' wide and ran 450'. It had much more energy than I anticipated and I'm very grateful I didn't go for a ride. Easily could have been the end of the season for me.
Looking back I knew I was gambling on this one. I debated for 10 minutes if I should do it and ultimately made the wrong call. This was an especially foolish decision because I was solo. The slide on the lower start should've been the only red flag I needed.
Cheers.
Coordinates
