Cornice failure - Whaleback Mtn

Simon Trudel , Thursday 18th April, 2024 11:50AM

cornice failure - see Avalanche tab

On April 14, we left Guy hut early in the morning and made out way to Isolated col, heading for Stanley Mitchell hut. On the way our group split into 2, myself and two ropemates decided to go tag Whaleback. Just above Isolated col we reached the first bump on skis. Here a ropemate had a slip on the crusty steep slope, and required assistance to recover a popped ski. I dropped my pack near the ridge's edge, left my skis on the snow, and assisted my teammate secure their ski. We all rejoined on the ridge, and decided to transition to crampons and booting. We were walking on rock, so felt secure as to our position. As one planted their ice axe in the snow, the cornice gave way for approximately 5 m, about 0.5-1 m wide. We were all (sickening) close to the ridge, but on rock, and so we were all fine, though definitely shook. However, in the process, a considerable amount of gear fell with the cornice. This includes 1 ski, 3 poles, 1 pack, 1 jacket, a ski crampon and a pair of ski goggles. a size 1.5 avalanche ensued form the orcnice failure, with a ~100 m run from the base of the cliff. An obvious crown is seen in the pictures. We were able to recover all gear and carry on.