Taiya North Ridge

Attempt on Taiya Peak, aborted due to high winds and rapid wind slab development. See Avalanche report.

Strong S wind developed around noon today on the ridge. Wind transport was occurring rapidly, though generally blowing off the ridge. An exposed band of rocks combined with a small concave slope created a lee in which a soft wind slab had developed on top of an older, smooth, hard slab. The skier triggered the fresh slab while bootpacking. The slab varied from 4-12" in thickness and broke up around the skier who was able to stay in place. Based on the conditions, we believe the new slab had formed in the previous hour or two.