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Avalanche: Two Trees

Observer Name
Kelly, Pressman
Observation Date
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Avalanche Date
Monday, January 29, 2024
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Two Trees
Location Name or Route
Two Trees
Elevation
9,400'
Aspect
South
Slope Angle
Unknown
Trigger
Unknown
Avalanche Type
Wet Loose
Avalanche Problem
Wet Snow
Weak Layer
Wet grains
Depth
2.5'
Width
100'
Vertical
400'
Comments
We found this avalanche late morning on January 30, 2024. It appeared to have run sometime late afternoon on January 29th as there was still shape to the debris and some refreeze on the edges. It's hard to tell if this was a natural or rider triggered. There were many tracks in the area.
The debris pile would have been more than enough to bury or injure a rider (D2) if they were not able to get out of the way. This wet avalanche gouged out walls 2-3' deep on either side of the gully feature before piling up in a bowl shaped feature. There was not enough snow to push out onto the apron and a smaller section of debris (D1) was visible in the chute to the west. The primary aspect on this avalanche was southerly however the walls would have allowed for more heating during the afternoon when the westerly facing sun would have been stronger.
Coordinates