Avalanche

Avalanche: Wolf Creek Pass

Meisenheimer/GordonOgden
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Quick report

Slope Angle
36°

Avalanche

Slab Width
38 m
Weak Layer
Facets
Trigger Type
Skier
Vertical Fall
122 m
Avalanche Type
Hard Slab
Slab Thickness
91 cm
Trigger Detail
Intentionally Triggered
Start Zone Aspect
Northeast
Start Zone Elevation
2987 m

Craig and I were walking on the ridge and triggered this avalanche from a safe distance. Avalanche ran on facets. With additional loading forecasted, this won't be the last one of these monsters awaiting a trigger. Please be careful.....

The WARNING signs are there. DONT IGNORE THEM.

1. Recent Avalanches

2. Cracking/Collapsing

3. Wind.

Weak, sugary facets are the culprit. Here you can see them glisten in the sun.

This avalanche was intentionally triggered from a safe spot on a low angle ridge.

The crown of this avalanche has very distinct layering formed by recent wind events. All this strong snow sits on very weak sugary snow near the ground.... bad combination.