Evening ridge skiing more like High/High/High

Avalanche

aheathcott · Jan 6, 2020 · Ymir

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Quick report

Weather
wet, stormy
Ride Type
denseTrees
Stayed Away
convexSlopes, openTrees, alpineSlopes
Riding Quality
amazing
Snow Conditions
deepPowder
Avalanche Conditions
avalancheConditionSnow, avalancheConditionSlab

Avalanche

Run Length
50
Slab Width
30
Trigger Type
skier
Avalanche Size
1.5
Slab Thickness
40
Trigger Sub Type
intentional
Start Zone Aspect
E, NE
Avalanche Character
stormSlab
Number Of Avalanches
6-10
Avalanche Observation
12hrsAgo
Weak Layer Crystal Type
stormSnow
Start Zone Elevation Band
tln, btl
Avalanche Occurrence Datetime
2020-01-06T09:30:00

Skied up treed gully/basin directly across from Glory (Evening Ridge Trail). First 200 m are still quite aldery and hard navigation. Skied over the peak and the next drainage to the south, ending slightly lower than Glory. Numerous tree bomb induced natural size 1-1.5 from 1,600 m to 2,000 m. Some overnight, some this morning. Midstorm debris visible below the corner pocket pillows. Ridgetop is reverse loaded, with fresh cornices on the SW side (up to car size). Widespread (S-NE, 1,600 - 2,000 m), reactive-touchy (ski cut >10 size 1-1.5 + one size 2) storm slabs. Generally 40 cm deep, 20-30 m wide, 20-30 m long. Did not ski slopes large enough to generate bigger results, but I imagine a run like Ecstasy would run big right now. Stuck to the tight trees near the bottom and avoid the large openings where terrain traps (creeks, gullies) are still present. Boot to knee ski pen. Wind effect at ridgetop, otherwise blower. Freezing level increased by ~200 m between 7:00 and 10:00. High confidence below treeline, no alpine obs.