Quick report
- Slope Angle
- 37°
Avalanche
- Slab Width
- 91 m
- Weak Layer
- Facets
- Trigger Type
- Skier
- Vertical Fall
- 152 m
- Avalanche Type
- Hard Slab
- Slab Thickness
- 51 cm
- Trigger Detail
- Unintentionally Triggered
- Start Zone Aspect
- North
- Avalanche Problem
- Wind Slab
- Start Zone Elevation
- 2957 m
Written by the group that triggered the avalanche:
Party of 3 skiers, started the day in BCC and toured up to the PC ridgeline to take a look at South Monitor and No Name Bowl. As we approached South Monitor there were obvious signs of recent high winds (as expected with the overnight gust forecasted). We decide to leave South Monitor alone and head up to the antennas to transition with the intention of skiing a tree run in Katie's.
Skier 1 started to ski and a hard slab broke approx 30ft above him during his second turn. Skiier 1 attempted to ski out to the left but was pulled into a chute in the woods. At this time Skiier 2 & 3 began search mode. Skiier 1 took a ride for about 500ft (rough estimate) but managed to kick his skis off and stay on top of the snow for majority of the way down. Skiier 1 was able to get himself out of the snow/ slide path he was pulled into and radio skiers 2 & 3 that he was okay.
After a quick assessment for major injuries we called canyons ski patrol to let them know what happened and our new exit plan. We were able to self evacuate, and kept the line of communication with CSP going which aided our exit. We expected broken ribs throughout the self evacuation but after a medical check Skiier 1 just ended up with lots and lots of bruising.
There are many lessons to be learned from this experience. One key mistake was letting our guard down as we approached the trees. Descending from the antennas, the snow was an icy wind crust, but as we neared the tree line, our group relaxed when we should have been more attentive. We failed to properly assess how the wind had loaded the snow above the treeline. Fortunately, injuries were minimal, and everyone made it out safely. It could have been much worse.
UAC Staff Comments: We didn't feel comfortable getting into the crown without a rope. The wind was reloading the slope, and there was another 155 cm (61 inches) of snow underneath the bed surface. We are very happy this had a good outcome, especially given the terrain and consequences of this avalanche.
Incident
- Number Carried
- 1
- Number Injured
- 1
- Terrain Summary
- <p>This terrain is a steep starting zone that quickly drops into thick trees. </p>
- Weather Summary
- <p>Strong northerly winds from the past 72 hours likely led to the wind-drifted hard slab.</p>
- Number Partly Buried
- 1
The self-rescue party continued downhill. They called a friend waiting for them with a car in the Colony. Lifeflight was activated, set down, and shipped with a hoist, but it was unnecessary. They self-evacuated.