Front Range
AvalancheNoelle Crowley · Apr 19, 2021 · Front Range
Weather
Air temperatures were in the low to mid 30's when the avalanche occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m. Mostly cloudy skies, with intermittent sun. The area received several inches of snow (approximately 6 inches) in the last few days, but no new snow during the day. Calm in the morning, but gusty winds started when the group of two reached the summit at approximately 10:45 a.m. Southeast aspect at around 12,000 feet.
Snowpack
Approximately six inches of unconsolidated recent snow sat on top of firm, spring snowpack from several weeks of warming. No signs of any instability related to wet avalanches. No rollerballs observed. Good, supportable travel conditions as group ascended looker's right side of peak. No sluffing and the snow did not appear to be wind affected in the chute furthest looker's right the skiers boot-packed at the top. Snowmobile activity on slopes of same aspects did not result in any signs of instability.
Avalanche
Southeast facing wind slab was triggered by a ski cut at approximately 12,000 feet at the top of the chute on looker's left. Slab broke 6-8 inches deep, approximately 50 feet wide and 200 feet long. R2/R3 with D2 consequences due to the terrain. Skier performing the cut was momentary caught, but remained on her feet. Slide lost momentum after passing through the steep choke section of the chute.