Turnagain Pass

On Friday, October 1st, a snowboarder triggered a slab avalanche in Common Bowl on Tincan. The slab was around 16″ deep and 200′ wide. It failed on a weak layer that is believed to be older faceted snow under the new 1.5 feet (ish) of snow from the end September. The rider stayed well in front of the moving debris and was not caught. Their partner was able to catch the event on video (seen below). We are thankful for the sharing of information, especially now when the avalanche center is not yet fully operational.

Tincan Common avalanche seen from below. 10.01.21 by B.S.

Please take a look at the full report HERE.

Early season avalanches do happen, even if there is not all that much snow on the ground. Right now there is roughly 2-3′ at 3,000′ and maybe 6″ near the parking lots. We don’t have much information yet, and appreciate any observations from folks getting out!

A quick reminder of those famous signs of instability – The Red Flags:

• • Recent avalanches
  • Cracking/whumpfing in the snow around you
  • Changes in weather: Strong wind, snowfall and/or rain

Heading out during, or right after, a snowfall is the most dangerous time and when avalanches are most likely to occur. This is especially important to realize for hunters and others that may not have avalanches in the forefront of their minds.

Snowfall to date @ Turnagain Pass 2,500′ – 3,500′:
Sept 22-24 storm:  16-20″ snow, ~2 – 2.5″ of SWE
Sept 30-Oct1 storm:  12-16″ snow, ~1-1.5″ of SWE
Snow depth at the Turnagain Pass SNOTEL (1880′) as of Oct 4th:  18″
Snow depth reported by observers as of Oct 3rd:  2-3′

With the early season snow falling on a warm ground, it’s no surprise A LOT of glide cracks and some releases are being reported. Note the photo below sent in Oct 3rd of the NW corner of Magnum Ridge, seen from the Sunburst approach. A big thanks to Katie S for her report on these glides, and many others around Turnagain Pass, HERE.

Glide cracks on NW Magnum. 10.03.21 by Katie S.

Avalanche Gear:  This is a great time to make sure your avalanche rescue gear is in order.

• Does your shovel and probe assemble properly? Any parts rusted and/or worn out?
• Does your beacon have fresh batteries and terminals not corroded?
• Brush up on how to use your avalanche beacon – turn it on, does it pick up another beacon properly and vice versa?
• Comms? Is you InReach a go, your radio, or any other communication devises you use?

As the season gets underway, let’s do our best at minimizing our risk in the mountains! Another storm system is looking to hit later this week (Thur Oct 6th to Sat Oct 9th). As always, let us know what you are finding out there.