Avalanche: Turnagain

Location: Library (from Center Ridge)

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Center Ridge tour back towards Kickstep

Avalanche Details
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Trigger SkierRemote Trigger No
Avalanche Type UnknownAspect Southwest
Elevation 3300ftSlope Angleunknown
Crown DepthunknownWidth 150ft
Vertical Run 1500ft  
Near Miss / Accident Details
Number Caught/Carried? 1Number Partially Buried?0
Number Fully Buried?0Number Injured?0
Number Fatalities?0  
Avalanche Details

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.

Events of the day

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.

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
Observer Comments

Recent avalanche activity - natural and human triggered - plus active windloading at higher peaks in the area.

Weather & Snow Characteristics
Please provide details to help us determine the weather and snowpack during the time this observation took place.
Weather

Clear, cold (especially in the shadows!), and generally calm (on Center Ridge...) with occasional light west winds.

Snow surface

Widespread surface hoar over 4-6" of low density snow

Snowpack

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.

Photos & Video
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