Avalanche
- Slab Width
- 30 m
- Weak Layer
- New Snow/Old Snow Interface
- Trigger Type
- Natural
- Vertical Fall
- 76 m
- Avalanche Type
- Dry Loose
- Slab Thickness
- 18 cm
- Start Zone Aspect
- Northeast
- Avalanche Problem
- New Snow
- Start Zone Elevation
- 3139 m
At 1200 hours the Westerly Winds increased significantly to Strong on the ridgelines as well as down in more protected areas around 9700 feet. Transport increased to Strong (See Photo 1). By 1245 Natural Loose Dry activity commenced on steep Upper Elevation terrain that was receiving both down slope and cross slope loading (See Photo 2). Avalanche reported was relatively small and inconsequential due to the terrain features that allowed it to fan out and not entrain significant loads. Yet, in high consequence terrain like confined narrow long running chutes, this issue may have presented more serious and potential issues.
As well, slope cuts and general riding on slopes steeper than 35 degrees were producing Loose Dry Sluffs running in the light density new snow on firm pre-storm bed surfaces.