Quick report
- Slope Angle
- 44°
Avalanche
- Slab Width
- 12 m
- Weak Layer
- Density Change
- Trigger Type
- Snowboarder
- Vertical Fall
- 15 m
- Avalanche Type
- Soft Slab
- Slab Thickness
- 30 cm
- Trigger Detail
- Intentionally Triggered
- Start Zone Aspect
- Northeast
- Avalanche Problem
- Wind Slab
- Start Zone Elevation
- 2225 m
Skinning above and west of Indicator Hill around 1230, we checked out a small test slope to determine reactivity of the wind loaded snow before venturing higher or committing to riding steeper terrain. On the NE aspect of a 44 degree rollover, the lead member of the party triggered a small slide about 30cm deep in the interface between the 12/24&25 storm snow and the wind loading that occurred since 12/26 and throughout today (12/27). The slab was 4F snow atop the F storm snow. It fractured a few feet above skinner and propagated across the slope until the angle lessened. Additionally, the fracture continued around to the north aspect of the slope approximately 100 feet and caused a sympathetic release approximately 15 feet wide running for perhaps 20 feet.
Apologies for the poor photo quality. First picture is lead member of the party standing on the bed surface, crown visible behind his shoulders. Second photo is sympathetic release around the corner.