Avalanche

Avalanche: Catherine's Pass

BruceiSalt Lake
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Avalanche

Slab Width
46 m
Trigger Type
Natural
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Slab Thickness
61 cm
Start Zone Aspect
East
Avalanche Problem
Wind Slab
Start Zone Elevation
3048 m

Hiking out of Catherine's Lake to the saddle. Natural released from Rocky Point airs area. Crown at ridge btwn B Frame and Scooby. We (party of 4) were in the flats/natural drainage about to turn to climbers right when we saw the powder cloud coming at us. Raced to tress and braced. Stopped about 20' short of us. Went back to ridge to investigate. Approx one hour prior we had tried to release something here w no luck. Winds shifted from SE to E and picked up along w snowfall rate. Stomped ridge btwn A and B. Release wrapped to A ramp and down to the natural. Photos are from this event. Tried to get photos of natural crown but obscured by winds(and a cold hand!). Steep rocky wind loaded starting point.