Thunder Meadows Trip

Avalanche

activematt · Jan 31, 2021 · Northwest Coastal

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Quick report

Weather
warm, foggy
Ride Type
alpineSlopes, mellowSlopes, openTrees
Stayed Away
convexSlopes
Riding Quality
Good
Snow Conditions
crusty, powder
Avalanche Conditions
avalancheConditionSlab, avalancheConditionSound

Variable stability by aspect. Wind loading and steep slopes contributing to avalanche activity.

Avalanche

Triggered an avalanche in Orca bowl. Slide occurred in top just below orca rock. Two skier triggered slides size 1-2. Broke on an unsupported slope. Slide distance relatively minimal. We were aware of risk and conditions. Sliding on hardback ice layer from pre storm.Also some small sluffing day prior on treed slope, manageable to ski through. Cracking evident on all steeper and convex slopes when additional loading applied. Route decisions should be conservative at all elevations. Storm snow not bonding well.