Barnes lake round 2

samirsomji , Tuesday 18th February, 2025 10:15PM

Came back for more cuz the snow was too good! Rode another N facing treeline feature with heavy sluffing but no concerns otherwise. Decided to step out into the alpine targeting a SE facing lower angle supported bowl feature, and ascended a low angle rib. As we approached the ridge line at 2250m we felt a significant whumph with all 3 of us standing on a loaded pillow. We used good travel tactics and identified start zones before continuing. The next kick turn held another significant whumph and triggered a size 1.5 persistent slab (see avalanche summary) that wrapped around to where our first skier was standing on a supported feature. No involvements. We decided to back off and return to treeline features for the rest of the day. Lots of natural dry loose activity in the past 48hrs Solar input was strong and created a 1cm crust on S facing treeline aspects.

Sz 1.5 Persistant slab, toed out at bottom of track, entrained enough mass from dry loose surface to surpass a large bench and carry over. Debris was 20m wide This ran in a reloaded spot where a distinct crown existed from a previous persistent slab avalanche, and proves this layer can be a repeat offender. A hasty crown wall profile revealed HS of 150, 85 cm of well bonded facets from ground with a 65cm slab resting over top. The slab consisted of 25cm of 1F density Sz 2 facets with 40cm of F density Sz 1 facets resting on top.