Reactive windslab on Wawa

Quick report

cmurrayschlitt · Nov 14, 2024 · Glacier

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Observation photo 1Observation photo 2

Quick report

Weather
cloudy
Ride Type
alpineSlopes
Riding Quality
ok
Snow Conditions
powder, windAffected
Avalanche Conditions
avalancheConditionSlab

Went for a ski on the North side of Wawa ridge, found wind affect on E / NE aspects, HS 40-50, deeper in loaded areas. Triggered a size 1 wind slab from the toe of a small NE roll and remote triggered a second sz 1 slab on the same feature that did not move. Estimated crown depth 30-50cm, ~15-20m wide, running ~10m. Slab broke at shallow spot near rocks with a small stepdown noted, suspect it failed on facets above the Oct 21 crust, but did not look closely at the crown due to hangfire. We retreated to more sheltered and low angle terrain and found acceptable skiing in open trees where wind effect was less present. Still early season conditions with lots of rocks to hit out there. Learn from our mistake and keep it mellow if heading into the alpine this weekend.

Avalanche

Run Length
8
Slab Width
1
Trigger Type
skier
Wind Exposure
leeSlope
Avalanche Size
1
Trigger Sub Type
accidental
Start Zone Aspect
NE
Vegetation Cover
openSlope
Avalanche Character
windSlab
Crust Near Weak Layer
1
Number Of Avalanches
1
Start Zone Elevation
2370
Avalanche Observation
12hrsAgo
Weak Layer Crystal Type
facets
Start Zone Elevation Band
alp
Avalanche Occurrence Datetime
2024-11-14T21:00:00.000Z

skier triggered from toe of slope, top of crown broke ~10m above, see quick summary for info