Avalanche
- Slab Width
- 244 m
- Weak Layer
- Facets
- Trigger Type
- Snowmobiler
- Vertical Fall
- 91 m
- Slab Thickness
- 305 cm
- Start Zone Aspect
- Northeast
- Avalanche Problem
- Persistent Weak Layer
- Start Zone Elevation
- 3170 m
Condition for south skyline moderate. A group of riders headed for the hill climb (steep) rider 1 headed up the north side of the hill followed by second rider. 1st rider made it to the top turned around and headed down the line he ascended the whole slab broke loose, very wind blown. Rider 1 lost his snowmobile to the slide, he was able to stay at point of origin. Rider 2 was just far enough to the north to not be swept downhill. No avalanche beacons, probes.
FORECASTER NOTE: If you are riding in avalanche terrain, it is wise to put only one person on a steep slope at a time so that if they trigger an avalanche, only one person is caught. If you are caught and buried by an avalanche like this one, your best chance for your partners finding you is if you are wearing an avalanche beacon. Also, this is the type of terrain where an airbag backpack may be beneficial in keeping you from being buried:
- It has a wide runnout zone where the debris can fan out instead of being funneled into a gully
- It is clear of trees, rocks and cliffs.