Vail & Summit County

Avalanche

Anonymous · Feb 20, 2021 · Vail & Summit County

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Weather

Single digits with negative wind chill, moderate winds out the west NTL, Strong winds ATL with active wind loading on Leeward aspects. It was difficult to travel ATL due to the intense windchill.

Snowpack

11,500ft SE aspect HS=150-165cm HN24=10-15cm Developing a deep slab. Mid pack density is a firm 1F+ for about 75-90cm. Resting above 4F+ chaining DH. NSF layer 55-60cm down that was moderately reactive.

Avalanche

Numerous size 1 naturals releasing due to rapid wind loading ATL. One cornice collapse happened while we were lapping the lower angle terrain below Bear Mountain. We also observed one larger R2.5 D2 natural that released right below a cliff band on Bear Mountains SE face. No other signs of instabilities.