Observer Name
Chris Benson
Observation Date
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Avalanche Date
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Region
Moab » Beaver Basin
Location Name or Route
Beaver Slide
Elevation
11,900'
Aspect
Northeast
Slope Angle
Unknown
Trigger
Natural
Avalanche Type
Hard Slab
Avalanche Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Weak Layer
Facets
Depth
3'
Width
2,500'
Vertical
2,000'
Comments
Went up for a closer look after observing this slide yesterday off the top of Mann's Peak, and boy it was worth it. Size 3 avalanche that occurred some time last week after the significant storm 11/25-11/26/2024. The main aspect that failed consisted of an unsupported, ENE planar slope that had obvious wind loading at the top. Interestingly, the crown wrapped onto SE aspects as well as due North. Couldn't get to close to the north aspect as it had filled back in, however the more accessable SE aspect revealed a dense storm slab sitting on facets from early season snow. Got 2 ECTPVs, but unsure how that would translate to slope-scale stability as the surface has a stout melt-freeze crust and the mid pack is quite dense. It does suggest that if you find the wrong spot though, you can still trigger a large and destructive avalanche.
The measured alpha angle was around 25 degrees. Significant debris piles over 10' deep were observed.
Video
Video
Coordinates
