Vail & Summit County

Avalanche

Michael Currid · Feb 8, 2018 · Vail & Summit County

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Weather

Time of observation: 12pm Ridgeline Wind Speed: 40mph Ridgeline Wind Direction: W Wind Loading: Moderate Ski Cover: Overcast Weather Description: Winds picked up yesterday afternoon averaging 25mph and gusting 35mph W, and continued with moderate transport through the night. This morning was very calm with low cloud cover that obscured the peaks (>12,000 ft). By Noon, clouds lifted and winds were sustained at roughly 40mph W.

Snowpack

Heavy wind load over faceted persistent weak layers. Inconclusive, but likely triggered by cornice fall.

Avalanche

HS-N(NC)-R2-D2-G 1m Crown was still visible, with moderate loading, may indicate this slide occurred less than 12hours prior to observation. 2 smaller slides, likely natural could be seen further down the ridgeline, but were inaccessible to observers.