Vail & Summit County
AvalancheNic Halverson · Nov 2, 2018 · Vail & Summit County
Weather
NNW of Hoosier Pass Summit ENE Aspect 11,800ft (treeline) Partly Cloudy, 20+mph NW wind.
Snowpack
Area was variable from wind-scoured ground to 2m deep pockets of wind-deposited snow on ENE aspect, at 11,800ft (treeline).
Avalanche
1 avalanche, triggered from below. Wind Slab. Broke on convex rollover on top of slope. Crown ranged from >10cm to apx 2m. Width of crown was 30-40m wide. Bed surface was old snow. A small pocket within the slide stepped down to the ground. The depth of the deposition was apx. 1m deep where Skier 1 was partially buried. With the intention to inspect the snowpack and dig a pit, skier 1 and Skier 2 were spaced apart crossing beneath the slope with Skier 1 in the lead. Skier 1 most likely triggered the avalanche while touring below the slope. Skier 1 yelled avalanche when the slide quietly broke. Only a few inches of snow washed over Skier 1's skis and was tripped, falling downhill, and allowing the toe of the avalanche to slowly cover lower body. Skier 2 was downhill below the bench in the slope where the avalanche stopped. Skier 2 was able to maintain sight of skier 1. The debris accumulated on the bench and stopped. Skier was was moved apx. 3m downhill on the toe of the slide. Skier 1 was able to self rescue. Both skiers had all gear and beacons on.