Text Box: 1-2-08, Steep Hollow Naturals and 
Beaver Canyon Plow Triggered Avalanches
Toby Weed


I noticed evidence of several natural avalanches from the Holiday natural cycle.  These on north facing slopes at about 9200' stepped down into weak faceted snow near the ground.


Judging by the new snow covering the evidence, the avalanches probably occurred on Christmas Eve.


Many of the north facing slopes in Upper Steep Hollow avalanched at the same time.


The east face of Double Top Mountain with wind drifts on the lee side of the large rocks guarding the face.


Looks like these small avalanches above Hwy 89 in Beaver Creek Canyon might have been triggered by the snowplow.


 

The 1-2' deep and 30'+50' wide avalanches ran on weak faceted snow near the ground.  Sound familiar?


Strong winds over the last weekend in 2007drifted this wind slab onto this steep lower elevation slope.