Avalanche
- Trigger Type
- Snowmobiler
- Vertical Fall
- 24 m
- Avalanche Type
- Wet Slab
- Slab Thickness
- 30 cm
- Trigger Detail
- Unintentionally Triggered
- Start Zone Aspect
- West
- Avalanche Problem
- Wet Snow
- Start Zone Elevation
- 2865 m
This small slab avalanche was triggered by a snowmachine rider as he cut across the mid portion of the slope. He was not caught.
Forecaster Comments: This is the type of minor avalanche activity that should be expected during the spring season. Daytime heating of the snow can cause it to become unstable especially after recent new snow storms. It is not uncommon for the snowpack to be stable in the morning and then become unstable in the afternoon with daytime heating. It is wise to carefully assess what kind of terrain you're on in the afternoon and avoid steep slopes as they become damp or wet. Although this avalanche was inconsequential, if it had been on a slightly bigger slope or in a ravine or gully, the consequences would've been higher.