Slab avalanche

Avalanche

Run Length

100

Slab Width

75

Trigger Type

skier

Wind Exposure

crossLoadedSlope

Avalanche Size

1.5

Slab Thickness

150

Trigger Sub Type

remote

Start Zone Aspect

W

Trigger Distance

40

Vegetation Cover

openSlope

Start Zone Incline

3

Avalanche Character

windSlab

Number Of Avalanches

1

Start Zone Elevation

2200

Avalanche Observation

12hrsAgo

Weak Layer Crystal Type

facets

Start Zone Elevation Band

tln

Triggered a slab avalanche in an isolated pocket from approximately 40 metres below while traversing a west-facing slope at the Naraoh Glades area. The crown fracture extended roughly 75 metres across, with a maximum depth of approximately 150 centimetres. The slab failed on faceted snow just below a wind-scoured ridgeline above and just south of the mostly skied low angle glades. As my partner was nearing the far side of the slope, the release knocked him off his feet and carried him approximately 50 metres downslope. The avalanche came to rest in lower-angle terrain among dense trees. As we continued past the slope, we experienced another woompf and observed that the fracture line had propagated 10–15 m further beyond the original crown of the slide.