| Trigger | Foot Penetration | Remote Trigger | No |
| Avalanche Type | Soft Slab | Aspect | North |
| Elevation | 2500ft | Slope Angle | 50deg |
| Crown Depth | 8in | Width | 30ft |
| Vertical Run | 40ft |
Avalanche: Chugach State Park
Location: Toe of Eklutna glacier
The toe of the Eklutna glacier after staying at Pichler’s Perch, returning from the Eklutna Traverse.
Near Miss / Accident Details
| Number Caught/Carried? | 1 | Number Partially Buried? | 1 |
| Number Fully Buried? | 0 | Number Injured? | 0 |
| Number Fatalities? | 0 |
Events of the day
Ski descent off Eklutna glacier from Pichler's Perch, down climbed off the toe of the glacier. Low angle descent aside from this last steep pitch. Wind loading was obvious further up glacier. The short (~40 ft) height of the slope and perceived protection of the canyon from the elements did not make me think of any possible avalanche scenarios.
Rescue events
Head and right arm were not buried, was able to self rescue. Beacon was off and at the bottom of my pack.
Observer Comments
Heavy winds during the past 14 hours
Weather
New snow, heavy winds, 30-35 degrees without windchill
Snow surface
Fresh snow from wind deposition on top of glacial ice and hard packed snow
IMG-1481