Front Range
AvalancheAaron Rose · May 23, 2019 · Front Range
Weather
Dry Gulch drainage yielded variable winds from calm to mild gusts (estimated 15 knots) alternating between sunny and convection-induced snow.
Snowpack
Fresh snowfall showed signs of significant consolidation near and below treeline, with pockets of powder in shaded areas. Above treeline, snowpack appeared to be variable with wind crusts and patches of soft snow.
Avalanche
This R1-D1 wind slab avalanche occured off of Pat's Knob on Mt. Trelease on the east-facing aspect at 12,185 feet approximately before 11:30 am. No significant cornices were observed on the ridge. It appears that a solo skier had skinned up the saddle to the north of this aspect on a mellower slope and descended from the highest point of that ridge. Based on the tracks, the skier had triggered the release on the third turn and made two turns before turning into the wind slab debris. During my observations, I was able to spot the solo skier descending down below treeline and assumed no injuries at that point.