Vail & Summit County
AvalancheAnonymous · Feb 3, 2024 · Vail & Summit County
Weather
Following a week of dry, warm weather, 18+ inches of fresh snow had fallen overnight. Temps were in the single- to low-double digits overnight. Daytime temp was in the high-teens to low-twenties. Wind activity was relatively minimal.
Snowpack
Following a week of dry, warm weather, 18+ inches of fresh snow had fallen. On the prior day, a consolidated layer of approximately 24" was observed with a highly faceted layer present on South and Southeast aspects.
Avalanche
A party of six (4 skiers, 2 boarders) skinned up to approximately 11,300' and proceeded to ski down a face that was predominately west facing. The party stopped around 11,000' when a significant roll into a steep section was noticed. Boarder 1 proceeded to the top of the roll, advised the party to take lines to the skiers' right of the steep section, and maintained the position as spotter. Skier 1 skied the line to a safe position below and radioed the team, advising them to stay left to avoid a ridge and steep section. Boarder 2 took a line more to the left of Skier 1's. Skier 2 started down the same line and then trended further left after clearing a section of trees. Skier 3 took a similar line, crossing over Skier 2's line through a concave section below a northwest face. The face broke free the moment when Skier 3 crossed Skier 2's line. Boarder 1 observed the event and alerted Skier 3 who was able to ski to a safe position beyond the slide.