| Trigger | Natural | Remote Trigger | 0 |
| Avalanche Type | Hard Slab | Aspect | West Southwest |
| Elevation | unknown | Slope Angle | unknown |
| Crown Depth | unknown | Width | 25ft |
| Vertical Run | 500ft |
Avalanche: Chugach State Park
Location: Harp Ridge near South Fork of Eagle River
We parked at the base and skied up the right gully, and turned around halfway up due to snow pack instability. As we skied to the base of the gully we saw an avalanche in motion that was naturally triggered in the gully next to us.
Avalanche Details
Naturally triggered; rapid windloading at top of the gully.
Obvious signs of instability
| Recent Avalanches? | No |
| Collapsing (Whumphing)? | No |
| Cracking (Shooting cracks)? | Yes |
Observer Comments
Wind slabs, shooting cracks further along the gully, cornices. First obvious signs of instablity occurred at an angle of 42 degrees.
Weather
Sunny, temps at around 0 degrees F. Very windy on exposed terrain.
Snow surface
Wind crust on exposed terrain. Fluffy powder further down the mountain below gullies.
Snowpack
Informal instability tests were done with ski poles and snow pits. Enough data to find out the slope was too unstable for further travel.
At the turnaround point when the hard slabs on the weak layers became more prominent.
Natural avalanche seen in motion along Harp Ridge