Quick report
- Slope Angle
- 40°
Avalanche
- Slab Width
- 12 m
- Weak Layer
- Facets
- Trigger Type
- Skier
- Vertical Fall
- 91 m
- Avalanche Type
- Hard Slab
- Slab Thickness
- 61 cm
- Trigger Detail
- Intentionally Triggered
- Start Zone Aspect
- North
- Avalanche Problem
- Persistent Weak Layer
- Start Zone Elevation
- 3200 m
This slope has not been ridden this year, but has likely avalanched. Took a couple steps on the slope to test it and got a good collapse. Slab failed initially on mid-pack facets approximately 60 cm down from the surface. However, as the slab ran it stepped down into deeper weak layers, ultimately stepping down to the ground.
This slab illustrates our current avalanche hazard pretty well. Most slopes are stable and you can ride a lot of places. In fact we have skied areas right next to this slope. However, you can still trigger avalanches in specific terrain. Which is the definition of a moderate hazard ("heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features, evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern"). Features of concern right now are steep northerly facing slopes that are weak and thin due to rocks, previous avalanches, etc.
First photo shows the crown, with the dust layer from 2/18 visible. 2nd photo the path looking down. 3rd photo the path looking up showing the places it stepped down.