Trigger | Skier | Avalanche Type | Hard Slab |
Aspect | Southwest | Elevation | 2600ft |
Slope Angle | 35deg | Crown Depth | 7in |
Width | 25ft | Vertical Run | 10ft |
Headed up Peak 3 around 12:30. Turned around at about 3000′
Trigger | Skier | Avalanche Type | Hard Slab |
Aspect | Southwest | Elevation | 2600ft |
Slope Angle | 35deg | Crown Depth | 7in |
Width | 25ft | Vertical Run | 10ft |
I was skiing down and cut into the top of a small test slope that was at treeline. When I skied onto it it propagated higher up than I expected. The slab broke up into some smaller pieces but didn't seem to want to run. Most of the bed surface was still covered when the snow stopped moving. 1-2 cm of facets underneath the windslab, bed surface was a crust layer. No more observations, storm conditions.
Solo skier. Above peak 3 treeline noticed lots of high winds and evidence of wind loading. Decided to turn around. Skied over the top of a test slope that I thought might have some touchy snow, and did trigger an avalanche. Small path, did not feel in danger but was suprised how high up it broke off. I was not carried. Took observations and then skied into trees. No further instability observed.
Recent Avalanches? | Yes |
Collapsing (Whumphing)? | No |
Cracking (Shooting cracks)? | Yes |
Obvious wind loading
Wind transported snow, minimal new precipitation by 2:30pm. No temps recorded
Normal variable peak 3. Crusts, wind transported snow pockets varying in softness.
No formal obs taken