Vail & Summit County

Avalanche

3 Skiers ascended from the creek up the East ridge adjacent to Coon Hill. We observed wind slabs and variable crust during our ascent. On the ridge we determined much of the interesting and intended terrain was best avoided given the observable conditions, and known problematic aspects. We skied further East following the ridge until we agreed upon a slope that looked lower angle and “safe”. We each skied the face noting the existing ski and skin tracks. At the base of the slope, we agreed upon another lap and decided to skin up and link the existing skin track. Approximately 2/3 up or 100’ below the ridge Skier 1 noticed splinter propagation running in front of him. He turned downhill and saw Skier 2 & Skier 3 approximately 50’ below when the avalanche broke. Skier 2 & 3 immediately turned into the fall line. Skier 3 successfully deployed his airbag, while Skier 2 did not. The avalanche carried both skiers to the end of the slope. They were visible to Skier 1 nearly the duration of the slide. Both skiers were not buried, and confirmed “OK” on the radios. Concerned Skier 1 might trigger a secondary event, waited for his friends to clear the debris field. Then removed his skis and descended to the crown. From which he transitioned and skied to the base of the slope through the runout. No injuries were sustained. All skis/gear was accounted for except single lost pole. Skier 2’s airbag experienced a malfunction and didn’t deploy although the air canister was released.