Wind slab step down

Quick report

shorton · Mar 15, 2023 · Coquihalla

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Quick report

Surface conditions changed suddenly at 1500 m from crusty to 20 to 40 cm of soft snow. There was a significant amount of natural avalanches from Monday night's storm, with size 1.5 to 3 storm slabs on all aspects on almost any slope steeper than 35 degrees. The new snow was mostly low density, with a thin sun crust forming on southerly slopes and some mild wind-effect along ridges.

Avalanche

Small wind-loaded pocket was triggered and stepped down to basal facets and rocks resulting in a significant mass of snow moving through the trees.

Incident

Comment
<p>Skier carried short distance before arresting as the avalanche continued past them.</p>
3 photos