lake ohara chute size 1.5-2

Quick report

Weather

cloudy

Avalanche Conditions

avalancheConditionSlab, avalancheConditionSound

Avalanche

Incident

Comment

<p>Size 1.5-2 wind slab skier triggered in a 30 degree chute near lake O'hara. 4 skiers involved, all fortunately safe. The party was ascending the 30 degree chute, approx 8m wide, and stopped as it began to widen and the snow became more obviously wind affected. During transitioning a whumph was felt and remote trigger 10m above the party at a variable/thin section. The slide carried through the chute and stopped on its own after 200m. Fortunately did not step down to basal layer. Below the chute a pit had revealed 1.5m snow depth with a clear layer at 25cm from top, and 15cm from bottom. The top layer moved with full strength/shoulder testing. Following the incident a lengthy debrief discussing decision making process, communication, and risk tolerance with much to improve on.</p>