Observer Name
Ian Dempsey & Johnson
Observation Date
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Avalanche Date
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Region
Salt Lake » Mill Creek Canyon » Porter Fork » Raymond Glade
Location Name or Route
Murphy’s Headplant
Elevation
8,700'
Aspect
Northeast
Slope Angle
34°
Trigger
Skier
Trigger: additional info
Unintentionally Triggered
Avalanche Type
Dry Loose
Avalanche Problem
New Snow
Weak Layer
Density Change
Depth
8"
Width
40'
Vertical
125'
Caught
1
Carried
1
Comments
A skier in my party got caught up in his slough. The slough pushed him through some trees where he lost both skis. We found one ski but were unable to find the other in the debris.
The forecast for SLC was right on with the warning about the density change in the new snow.
Other than this we witnessed four other dry loose avalanches on Gobblers and in Raymond Glade (all north or northeast aspects) with generally shallow debris piles (<18 inches) but that entrained snow over a large area.
Myself and three others skied Raymond Glade. After observing slough activity we discussed a plan to work the Northwest side of the ridge heading North back down toward the skinner near Murphy's Headplant. After regrouping around 9000 ft I dropped first on the Northwest side of the ridge toward the meadow above Murphy's Headplant. I dropped in, made about 4-5 turns and realized there was a significant slough coming down behind me. I cut a hard right in attempt to get out of it but was carried. I was swept from my feet and had no control for about 150 feet or so. I was carried through a grove of trees and lost both of my skis. I bruised my leg on the trees and thankfully did not sustain any significant injuries. After searching for awhile we found one ski and both poles. I made the decision to ski out on one ski after our search provided no further results. Missing ski is a hinterland with purple ATK bindings.
Sorry no photos, the snow started picking up and we just wanted to get out of there.
Comments
About 6" of snow at porter fork trailhead at 9am and 12-14" of snow above 8000'.
Snow was significantly more dense below 8000'.
Sun poked out for no more than a few minutes at a time so snow above 8000' stayed fluffy.
Coordinates