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: Turnagain
Location: Turtle Bowl - Cornice Fall - Upper Seattle Creek
An observation of remotely triggered slides in -3 Bowl and signs of cracking was submitted separately.
Forecaster Comments
| Trigger | Snowmachiner | Remote Trigger | Unknown |
| Avalanche Type | Cornice Fall | Aspect | West |
| Elevation | 3600ft | Slope Angle | unknown |
| Crown Depth | unknown | Width | 250ft |
| Vertical Run | 1000ft |
Near Miss / Accident Details
| Number Caught/Carried? | 1 | Number Partially Buried? | 0 |
| Number Fully Buried? | 0 | Number 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.
Obvious signs of instability
| Recent Avalanches? | Yes |
| Collapsing (Whumphing)? | No |
| Cracking (Shooting cracks)? | Yes |
1
Capture