Cirque West Ridge

Quick report

Weather

sunny, warm

Ride Type

alpineSlopes

Stayed Away

convexSlopes

Riding Quality

ok

Snow Conditions

crusty, heavy, wet

Avalanche Conditions

avalancheConditionTemp

Approaching the saddle of Cirque North Bowl via the West ridge we got cliffed out while sidling around the subpeak. Stepping onto what looked like a stable snow slope off the smaller subcliff turned out to be a mistake. Good chance it extended into a cornice but wasnt observed from above. One person was on the structure when it failed. Large blocks of wet slab fractured and slid approx 100-200m. Person pulled airbag and floated on the surface of the slide. No injuries and not buried at all. Retreated via Helen Creek.