Quick report
Two members of a party went for a tour on Todd Ridge off of Peak 7031 on Sunday afternoon (3/12). The tour started from Dutchman Snopark at around 1:30pm via snowmobile. The members sledded in on Cascade Lake Hwy and started skinning North from Cascade Lake Hwy at approximately 5900’. Neither member had much history of skiing the north and northwest lines off Peak 7031 but did know they are known to slide. After reaching the summit of Peak 7031 they decided to ski the NW slope that started in the trees, but it quickly came to a cliff section that had to be navigated. One member of the party made their way through the cliffs to look back up to give direction to the second member. As member 1 cleared the cliff area the slope had a large convex curve and a large crack developed before member 1 could reach a safe zone (approximately 6600’ elevation). The crack expended to both sides of the open slope and member 1 was knocked off their feet. Member 1 pulled their airbag. Member 1 lost both skis and poles and was rag dolled down the mountain approximately 400’ (6200’ elevation). Luckily member 1 came to a stop without hitting any trees and on top of the debris field. The crown was 6-8” deep and debris went a minimum of 600’ down the slope (6000’ elevation). Member 2 saw the avalanche start and kept an eye on member 1 until the slope angle rolled too steep. Both members were carrying radios, so they were able to make contact after the slide stopped. Member 2 was able to carefully navigate their way down the slope and was able to find one ski and both poles. The second ski was not recovered. Both members decided it was easiest to ski down to Soda Creek and navigate out to Cascade Lake Hwy on flatter terrain.