Avalanche

Avalanche: Catherine's Pass

Nelson AbantoSalt Lake
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Quick report

Slope Angle
38°

Avalanche

Slab Width
15 m
Weak Layer
New Snow
Trigger Type
Skier
Vertical Fall
61 m
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Slab Thickness
30 cm
Trigger Detail
Cornice Triggered
Start Zone Aspect
East
Avalanche Problem
New Snow
Start Zone Elevation
3170 m

As I went up toward Rocky Point I came across a cornice overhanging an east facing chute. One kick released a substantial but soft cornice, about snowmobile size. The entire chute fractured (50 ft.) about one foot deep. All the new snow went but I don't think anything else went. As this chute funnels into a narrow passageway. Being caught in this slide would have been very unpleasant . The slide uncovered several large rocks. I have to say I was surprised by how sensitive the new snow was.