Skier accidental avalanche Sentinel Pass

Directly triggered. Bed surface appeared icy blue and was difficult for skiers to descend and/or arrest on. Debris formed several deep lobes some exceeding 5m.

Party of 3 climbing to Sentinel Pass. First skier noticed cracks around skis, self arrest on icy bed surface near crown, not caught. Second skier was not far behind, swept down slope est. 150m to partial burial -mid thighs, lost equipment. Third skier further behind and to climber's right of leaders, buried in deep pile of debris as slope funneled and angle changed. Buried in crouching position, backpack was probed following partial removal of surface snow at 320 cm. 2 digging estimate 10-15 minutes to reach head, 2hrs to reach skis to release bindings. No injuries. Evacuated by helicopter. See avalanche tab for details.