Stanley Headwall sz1

Quick report

ski629 · Feb 21, 2026 · Sunshine

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Quick report

Weather
cloudy, cold
Climb Name
Stairs & Flowers
Ice Quality
ok
Avalanche Conditions
avalancheConditionSlab, avalancheConditionSound

Highly spatially variable conditions approaching the climb. Isolated features produced whumpfing, shooting cracks, and slab releases. These seemed to be steeper convexities with a stiffer storm/persistent slab. We continued through to the route despite a climber involvement in a sz1.

Avalanche

Run Length
40
Slab Width
15
Trigger Type
skier
Avalanche Size
1
Slab Thickness
25
Trigger Sub Type
intentional
Start Zone Aspect
NE
Start Zone Incline
30
Avalanche Character
persistentSlab
Number Of Avalanches
1
Start Zone Elevation
2000
Avalanche Observation
12hrsAgo
Start Zone Elevation Band
alp, tln
Avalanche Occurrence Datetime
2026-02-21T18:32:00.000Z

While skinning crossing a convexity, we started to release 10-20m slabs propagating out from our skis. Somewhat recklessly, we continued poking across the slope, assuming consequences would be low. The slope did release, carrying one member approximately 20m downslope on the surface. Better terrain management avoided similar features for the rest of the approach.