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Avalanche: Toledo Chutes

Observer Name
Ambler, Noteboom
Observation Date
Saturday, December 23, 2023
Avalanche Date
Saturday, December 23, 2023
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Toledo Chutes
Location Name or Route
Toledo Chute
Elevation
10,200'
Aspect
Southeast
Trigger
Skier
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Avalanche Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Weak Layer
New Snow/Old Snow Interface
Depth
5"
Width
10'
Vertical
Unknown
Comments
As we traversed above toledo chute and the western portion of toledo bowl we noted snow being transported by the wind and variable snow depth peaking at over a foot. Moderate winds generally from the west had strong gusts and were moving grounded snow as well as directing the incoming flakes. Under our feet some sluffing was happening but also noted were some short shooting cracks and a few small slabs of wind drifted snow breaking off and sliding into the whiteout. Winds look like they're going to taper off but I imagine with the further afternoon wind and snow this problem may have gotten worse than the small, relatively inconsequential slides we encountered this morning.
Comments
This image was taken later in the day when the sun came out and demonstrates the wind affected snow. However this was at snowbird and not toledo bowl.
Coordinates