Quick report
Two sets of tracks entering the slide path one skiers right of cornice site, one set on crest of cornice line. Cornice release caused stepdown to basal facets and exposed rocks in top of chute. Crown size ranged from 2' to 20'. Slide ran approximately 900' and was roughly 100' wide. R4 D2
Second skier in triggering party, third skier of the day. Cornice broke as they skied off according to third hand report. Measured vertical fall at 650' . This was a potentially ugly strainer situation with a D2 sized avalanche or smaller being easily fatal. -Edit.
Obvious overhanging cornice at the entrance of the chute. Previous wind loading event in days prior.Weather
- Air Temp
- 17
- Cloud Cover
- overcast
- Wind Loading
- previous
- Rain Elevation
- NA
- Recent Snowfall
- 1" overnight
- Snow Avail For Transport
- small smounts
Overcast, gradual warming throughout the day.
Snowpack
Season total settled snow at Snow King Mountain is 53". Season's worth of southern wind loading resulted in large cornice.
Avalanche
- Size
- D2 R2
- Type
- HS
- Aspect
- NE
- Trigger
- AS
- Elevation
- 7600 ft
Triggered by two skiers; one partial burial, cornice/crown height to 200cm in one location.