Spooky avalanche around run 8 bowl

sarahbelfordart , Sunday 10th March, 2024 12:45AM

Myself and my ski partner observed this avalanche on our last lap up to 8a for the day. We had already discussed that this bowl / curtain feature was our biggest avalanche concern for the day, and decided to avoid it entirely and ski the runs instead. Knowing that the odds of something popping off where high on those open slopes, and the numerous terrain traps in that zone could mean serious consequences. On our way up we saw a group coming out of this bowl at the bottom near the flat opening on the up track. The group hadn't mentioned triggering anything and had skied further skiers right of the slope so we guessed it must have been remote triggered and possibly not noticed as they left the trees area. We saw their entry at the top of the ridge, dropping into that slope on a blind convexity and trending back to the right in the larger trees just past where the debris ended up stopping. We can't confirm that it was skier triggered as we only saw the path and tracks, but imagine it was likely a remote trigger. Crown was between 40cm - 50+cm in most places and linked a wild distance along the face, in one spot going completely to the bottom and back up to the top. The continuity of the crown was impressive. Mostly storm snow that slid on the firm crust underneath, likely with a good hoar frost layer. We didn't inspect it up close so we could stay safe. Aside from that (which thankfully no people involved!) it was good feedback for our terrain choices. Skiing the runs was a fun time also!