Vail & Summit County

Avalanche

Jason Lederer · Jan 11, 2018 · Vail & Summit County

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Weather

Gusty with winds out of the northwest, 5 degrees, elevation ~11,500 ft. Gusty up high, calmer below tree line.

Snowpack

Variable with new snow over old crust. Obvious facets on old layer. Didn't dig a pit, but tested resistance with ski pole, cleared away new snow to expose older surfaces in a few areas during ascent up gold hill. Aspect has been skied a lot, so a lot of compaction has occurred.

Avalanche

Triggered from below a small wind slab over old snow on a northeast aspect around 11,500. Crown line was about 75 - 100 feet long, about a foot think. Slab slid about 10 ft before stopping. Slope angle is right around 30 degrees. This recent snow is definitely very unstable on specific terrain features. Chose to ski this location today, because it is typically quite safe. Humbling.