Heads up, skier triggered avalanche reported in McConkey's Bowl

McConkey's Bowl Avalanche location. Photo: Utah Avalanche Center // Google Maps

PARK CITY, Utah — On Wednesday morning, a backcountry skier reported triggering an avalanche in McConkey’s Bowl to the Utah Avalanche site. The avalanche was recorded to be a two feet deep crown, propagated 40 feet and ran about 150 feet. The skier was briefly carried in the avalanche, but was able to ski out physically unharmed. No pics were taken of the avalanche due to visibility.

The skier mentioned in the report that they were “sharing in case it helps even one person avoid my mistakes”. He/she also included what should have been red flags for going, and what should have considered when going, including:

Checking the current avalanche forecast on the UAC website, which was forecasted to be HIGH on Wednesday by UAC due to heavy, wet snow, and high winds
Not bringing efficient avalanche safety gear for skiing solo, including an airbag
No partner, plan, nor notification to friends/family informing them where he/she was going
He/she heard bombing/avalanche mitigation and observed wind loading on the slope

Late October avalanches in the Cottonwoods prompted conversation about early season risks to skiers/riders, and according to this skier, it was a reminder that convenience and familiarity isn’t always the safe route, saying, “Be careful out there, I like a margin of safety and I got too close or crossed it today.”