Vail & Summit County
AvalancheEthan Greene, Jason Konigsberg · Dec 15, 2019 · Vail & Summit County
Snowpack
We experienced numerous collapses and observed many shooting cracks. All cracks were deep and into the depth hoar. No sign of any storm snow instability. Even with strong winds during the storm, the slab was fairly uniform and consistent across slopes and terrain features. One crack that we initiated and resulting collapse and shooting cracks, went for over 1000 feet. The result was also an avalanche on a steep, small terrain feature.(See avalanche ob). Also we collapsed a southwest-facing, below treeline, small terrain feature. The slab moved an inch or two and deep cracks opened up but no avalanche occurred.
Avalanche
We heard a collapse and saw shooting cracks near the ridge as far as we could see. We traveled along the ridge and saw the cracks continue, off and on, for at least 1000 feet. Slopes in this area are mostly low angle. A terrain feature that was a little steeper slid but in general the slope angle wasn't enough for avalanches.