Avalanche: Snake Creek

Feeling very dumb and very fortunate. I knew better. I continued upward where I know it to be around 30°. I didn't even look at the forecast. I assumed some things and allowed my life distractions to be priority over evaluating my approach and Target. I was heading up at about 9700 ft when a disturbing sound occurred, like a muffled explosion like you might hear in the distance on a control morning at a nearby resort. I began back stepping and the snowpack started downward with another loud growl. I had just kick turned by a small group of pines and was two or three strides up from there. I backtracked and was fortunate enough to grab a couple handfuls of just stout enough boughs and was right on the edge of the slide path as it flowed over and past me trying to pull me down with it. The crown was easily 200 feet above me.

I believe the slope to be more like 34/36° now, based on comparing the lines on my pole as I came back down. I should not have been there.

It was big and down to the ground, very thin faceted layer, presumably the October rot.

Yes. I was alone. I know. Never again. I am Lucky to be alive.