Vail & Summit County
AvalancheBrad Kovalchick · Nov 19, 2017 · Vail & Summit County
Weather
Shrine ridge. North aspect. 12,200ft.
Snowpack
Becoming deeper. Measured depths up to 145cm in wind drifted areas. Many spots are still bare. Observed multiple shooting cracks and collapsing in the snowpack. Cracks shooting in all directions easily 20 to 30 ft away.
Avalanche
Observed a natural wind slab avalanche, on a north northeast facing slope. Crown looked to be between 1 and 1 1/2 ft at tallest spot. Average 10 inches. 200 to 300 ft wide and ran 300 to 400 vertical feet. R1 D1. Debris could have easily buried a person.