Avalanche

East of Gunsight. White Pass Side country.

Avalanche.org observerWest Slopes South
View on map
Observation photo 1

Quick report

There had been some signs of instability today, snow moving in discs and clumps versus just free moving snow, but this was the only actual slab encountered all day. This happened during a slow traverse on a slope of typical avy angle but in an area somewhat protected from wind. In the photo, I am standing right where I was when it released. You can see that it propagated both in front of and behind me along my party's traverse line.

Avalanche

East facing aspect just above treeline. While traversing, a significant slab released from my downhill ski. Approximately 12" crown propagated about 40 feet along my party's traverse line. No injuries, burials, or entrapment. Just a bit of a scare as the snow went away from beneath my skis.