Avalanche: Chugach State Park

Location: Flattop Mountain - Avalanche across summer hiking trail

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Please see below avalanche observation from the Front Range. This information was sent in to us by Bob Lohr.

UPDATE: We have received reports that this avalanche was triggered by a two hikers. One hiker was reported to be fully buried then rescued by their companion with no injuries. We are gathering details and will update with more information as soon as possible.

Avalanche Details
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Trigger UnknownRemote Trigger0
Avalanche Type0Aspect West
Elevation 3200ftSlope Angleunknown
Crown DepthunknownWidthunknown
Vertical Rununknown  
Avalanche Details

Large and deep wind slab avalanche on the South side of Flattop. It was very wide and propagated across the entire bowl from above the Old Trail to above the New Trail. Debris ran across summer trail. Picture taken New Year's day around sunrise.

Light was pretty flat this morning. It looked like the blocks were slightly covered with fresh, wind blown snow. Slide possibly occurred yesterday - speculation?

Red Flags
Red flags are simple visual clues that are a sign of potential avalanche danger. Please record any sign of red flags below.
Obvious signs of instability
Recent Avalanches?Yes
Collapsing (Whumphing)?No
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?No
Weather & Snow Characteristics
Please provide details to help us determine the weather and snowpack during the time this observation took place.
Weather

Temperature around 33F in Glen Alps at 8:00 a.m., blowing 30-40mph, with occasional calm spells on lower slopes. By 10:30 it was 37F back at the car.

Snow surface

Soft snow on the leeward slopes on a hard surface.

Photos & Video
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