(update to my original report from Friday). The Superior avalanche on Friday morning was triggered by a skier when he accidentally slipped. The avalanche had a maximum crown depth of 2 feet and ran 1900 vertical feet down into country lane, where it caught and carried 2 people. I was the first to call in the avalanche to Alta central. Due to limited information at the time, I initially believed the avalanche that carried my partner was natural. That was incorrect.
It underscores how important it is to submit observations, whether you trigger an avalanche or witness one as a rider or skier. An accepted risk when riding lines on Superior is exposure to other parties above or below you. Friday’s reactivity caught many people off guard. With no UDOT mitigation on Superior, density changes from the Wednesday/Thursday storm snow, and strong winds the night prior, conditions aligned for an avalanche capable of running long distances in sustained, steep terrain.
Some notes:
- Stop at islands of safety, fully out of any avalanche path during your descent.
- Other parties are a significant exposure hazard
- Radio communication was critical. it allowed a member of my party to be alerted immediately to the avalanche.
- Call in avalanches you observe or trigger to Alta central if in the Cottonwoods.
Previous Report
https://utahavalanchecenter.org/avalanche/103696
