Avalanche: Chugach State Park

Location: Ptarmigan Peak, 61.05733N, 149.60190W

Date:

December 5, 2016 12:00pm

Observer:

wayne pence

Route & General Observations

Approached via Rabbit Creek, ascended Ptarmigan southwest slopes. Little to no snow on slopes at elevations below 4300′, with exception of drifted snow in drainages. Avalanches observed in gullies opposite side of valley with northern exposure.

Avalanche Details

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Trigger	Foot Penetration	Remote Trigger	0
Avalanche Type	Soft Slab	Aspect	South Southwest
Elevation	4600ft	Slope Angle	unknown
Crown Depth	18in	Width	20ft
Vertical Run	150ft

Avalanche Details

Climber-triggered slab avalanche. 10" to 18" crown. First climber crossed safely, second triggered avalanche after a few steps.

Red Flags

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Observer Comments

None

Weather & Snow Characteristics

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Weather

Clear, light wind, -5F in shade, 18F in sun

Snow surface

Newer snow, slightly settled. Same snow was plastered to rocks up high.

Snowpack

Powdery, wind-deposited snow on top of very solid wind-deposited snow with facet layer in between. Facet layer approximately 1cm. Well-bonded to ground, ~6' snow depth. Both layers increasingly solid towards the ground.

Photos & Video

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Climber was able to roll off slab before it picked up speed.

Pole is set at height of 145cm / "STOP"

Approximately 150 vertical feet

Location

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