Wind slab in Crouchers Ridge

<p>Strong Westerly winds for 48 hours prior / during a visit to South West Gulch cabin. 30+ cms of snow had fallen 48-72 hours ahead of incident on Crouchers ridge, just south of Beaver Pond, near the 450-480 meter contour line. Terrain was not especially steep. Near the top of the tree line, after coming over a small convex rolling piece of terrain I triggered a slab that was 20-25 meters wide, and with 20cm crown. Was taken a few meters down the slope but stayed in my feet and not buried. We suspect it was a wind slab. A similar, but smaller, incident happened to another member of our party the day before in Japan trees on a similar aspect (facing East). These 2 incidents were non-consequential but confirmed our decision to alpine areas. </p>

Terrain Ridden

Mellow slopes, Convex slopes, Open trees.

Terrain Avoided

Alpine slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

30cm + of new snow, or significant drifting, or rain in the last 48 hours.

Slab avalanches today or yesterday.

Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Snow Conditions

Deep powder.

Weather Conditions

Windy, Cloudy.