Front Range

Avalanche

Trace Baker · Apr 29, 2021 · Front Range

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Weather

At parking area 11130 ft. approximately 0845: Car thermometer showed 33 deg. F. Clear and calm. On the ridge at 11680 ft., breezy with wind from the NW.

Snowpack

At the top of the ridge, approx. 11680 ft., firm base with consistent 2 in. loose wet snow on the surface. Did not dig a pit.

Avalanche

See image "topo.png" for location. The slide happened at 1100, 39.79601 N 105.79315 W, elevation approx. 11630 ft. on a NE facing slope. The slope angle was 33 deg, estimated from the topo. See image "IMG_1748.JPG" for the track (image contains EXIF data). Point-triggered when initiating a turn, entering the from skier's left. Caught by debris approximately in the middle of the track and knocked off my feet. Rode on surface of debris down, but was not buried. Did not deploy my airbag. When debris flow stopped, got up and exited to skier's right. Found a stable position on low-angle snow to make the picture.