A huge thanks for taking the time to submit this observation! This highlights the extreme variability in the snowpack, as this party triggered a sizable avalanche on the 3rd run of the day (second on a North aspect).
Avalanche: Turnagain
Location: North Side of Magnum adjacent to Taylor Pass
This was the third run of the day for a party of two. The party skied the south side of magnum, one of the northern facing couloirs on cornbiscuit, and then attempted the northern rocky face of magnum. The skiers entered the north side of magnum from the ridge connecting to cornbiscuit.
Forecaster Comments
| Trigger | Skier | Remote Trigger | 0 |
| Avalanche Type | 0 | Aspect | North |
| Elevation | 3600ft | Slope Angle | 33deg |
| Crown Depth | 24in | Width | 200ft |
| Vertical Run | 1000ft |
Avalanche Details
First skier in a party of two descended 50 feet before triggering the avalanche. Skier was carried approximately 1,000 ft. before coming to rest above the snow surface. Maximum height of crown approximated to be 3 feet. No accurate measurements were taken.
Observer Comments
No obvious signs of instability. No signs of recent avalanches on this specific slope.
Weather
Mostly cloudy with poor visibility at times due to low ceiling.
Snow surface
New snow mixed with settled powder, approximately boot top to knee deep.
Snowpack
No formal stability tests performed, skinned and skied north facing couloirs of cornbiscuit prior with no signs of avalanche activity or obvious instability.