Ridgeline between Bear Valley and Meadow Lakes Road

Quick report

Warming temps. 1’-2’ of heavy new snow. Upside down snowpack. Persistent weak layer. Recent avalanche activity. Cautious terrain selection throughout day. Chose to bi-pass this small feature/open area. Very good/lucky decision. Very surprised this small feature released and the slide was so large and so deep. Windloading masked the slope angle and steepness of slide path.

Avalanche

Size

D2

Aspect

NW

Trigger

AM

Elevation

7900 ft

Northeast aspect at 7,900’. Very small wind loaded ridgeline feature with slopes just barely at 30 degrees. 1 rider just outside of slide path remotely triggered while passing by. 8’ crown, 150’ wide, ran only 100-200’ down short slope onto flatter terrain. Large vehicle sized blocks.