Avalanche: Turnagain

Location: Turtle Bowl - Cornice Fall - Upper Seattle Creek

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

An observation of remotely triggered slides in -3 Bowl and signs of cracking was submitted separately.

Contact, Location & General Observations
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Forecaster Comments

Big thank you to this group for passing on their information, photos, and comments. For not only this report of the cornice break, but the report of the remotely triggered avalanche in -3 Bowl on the same day. We are very grateful the rider that was caught with the cornice fall and avalanche is alright.

Avalanche Details
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Trigger SnowmachinerRemote Trigger Unknown
Avalanche Type Cornice FallAspect West
Elevation 3600ftSlope Angleunknown
Crown DepthunknownWidth 250ft
Vertical Run 1000ft  
Near Miss / Accident Details
Number Caught/Carried? 1Number Partially Buried?0
Number Fully Buried?0Number Injured?0
Number Fatalities?0  
Avalanche Details

Cornice broke about 15' back. Cornice triggered about a 1' deep by 250' wide avalanche that ran out over 1000'. Snowmachiner and sled caught and carried ~800'. Airbag deployed and rider was able to stay on top.

Events of the day

No injuries. Snowmachiner hiked out and doubled back to parking lot. Sled was rescued by helicopter later that day. Having the right gear saved the day. (Avy Gear + Radios + Inreach). Good reminder that with all the high winds, to be aware of cornices and give them some extra space.

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)?Yes
Photos & Video
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