Vail & Summit County

Avalanche

Ben Markhart · May 23, 2015 · Vail & Summit County

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Weather

Arrived aprox 4:00pm. Partly cloudy with hail producing systems moving in around 5:45.

Snowpack

New storm snow was consolidating into a firm slab. Minimal ski pen, boot pen ~10cm. Observed sudden collapse on SE aspect near rock outcrop. I'd say there will be a wet slab cycle on W-S-E exposures starting tomorrow.

Avalanche

Observed D2 on SE aspect ~12k ft above first switchback after basin parking lots, likely wet slab. Observed D1 at ~12k ft on SE aspect of lovland ski bowl. Triggered D1 wet slab on E aspect on sub-peak. Crown 12-15 inches, slab of new storm snow on old and soaking melt freeze grains. Rocks were playing a large role in creating water necessary for wet slab release on E aspect. More S facing aspects seemed ready to run regardless of triggers. Good lesson in heuristics, route plan went to hell when I saw a more fun line on the way down, didn't stick to lower angle terrain like I planned.