Trigger | Skier | Remote Trigger | No |
Avalanche Type | Unknown | Aspect | Southwest |
Elevation | 3300ft | Slope Angle | unknown |
Crown Depth | unknown | Width | 150ft |
Vertical Run | 1500ft |
Center Ridge tour back towards Kickstep
Trigger | Skier | Remote Trigger | No |
Avalanche Type | Unknown | Aspect | Southwest |
Elevation | 3300ft | Slope Angle | unknown |
Crown Depth | unknown | Width | 150ft |
Vertical Run | 1500ft |
Number Caught/Carried? | 1 | Number Partially Buried? | 0 |
Number Fully Buried? | 0 | Number Injured? | 0 |
Number Fatalities? | 0 |
Two skier triggered slabs described and pictured below on a SW aspect of the Library, around 3300' (ridgeline).
Several other smaller D1 slabs - one pictured below - could also be seen on south to west aspects near ridgeline along the library. These appeared to be comprised of snow that fell at the end of last week. At least one was a natural, but others had tracks nearby so trigger was unknown. Finally, a larger D2 slab was potentially triggered by a cornice fall back on the steep slope adjacent to Kickstep and running onto the glacier (see photo below). Finally finally, some small loose snow slides were triggered by skiers on slopes steeper than ~38 degrees off Tincan Proper and the Library alike.
Two slab avalanches were triggered by a party of four as they skied down a run towards the back of the Library.
The first was ~20' wide, SW aspect, and was triggered by one of the first two skiers in the party descending (photo below). The second slide was much larger and triggered by the fourth skier in the group, ~150' wide, and also on a SW aspect. This skier appeared to be carried ~40' downslope but was able to stop, and skied down to the rest of the group shortly after the slide.
Recent Avalanches? | Yes |
Collapsing (Whumphing)? | No |
Cracking (Shooting cracks)? | No |
Recent avalanche activity - natural and human triggered - plus active windloading at higher peaks in the area.
Clear, cold (especially in the shadows!), and generally calm (on Center Ridge...) with occasional light west winds.
Widespread surface hoar over 4-6" of low density snow
No formal stability tests today, but structure in the top foot of the snowpack and new snow depth was consistent with other recent obs, and the same along the entirety of Center Ridge. Numerous glide cracks were present below Tincan Proper and the Library, but none have released.
First small slab triggered by one of the first two skiers, noted above.
The second, larger slab moments after the last skier in the group triggered it.
Runout from the second larger slab avalanche, also showing where the skier managed to stop on the bed surface.
This small slab avalanche was observed further down the ridgeline towards the end of the Library, on a SW aspect.
Suspected cornice fall triggered a slab avalanche recently, running onto the glacier to the west of Kickstep.
Glides over the library, along with some examples of the loose snow sluffs that have been skier initiated lately.
Loose snow sluffs coming off the tracks descending from Tincan Proper
A different angle on the small previously reported (yesterday) skier triggered slides on Tincan's SW Face.