Avalanche

Teewinot, Crooked Thumb/East Face Zone

Brian SmithTetons
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Observation photo 1Observation photo 2

Quick report

Widespread wet loose and wet slab activity (most likely natural) from May 10 warmup.

Avalanche

We observed widespread wet loose and wet slab activity from yesterday (May 10) on the East Face and around the Crooked Thumb on Teewinot. Our objective was the Crooked Thumb, but we turned around at 0700 hours at 9,300’ when we started bootpacking and were punching through into knee deep moist snow under a partially frozen crust. Numerous scary wet slide debris piles loomed around and above us, some at least 6 feet deep, see attached photo. Rapid warming was occurring, so we skied a couple great corn laps in the basin just below the E Face. Wouldn’t have wanted to ski any later.