Front Range
AvalancheDavid Fleischhauer · Jan 22, 2019 · Front Range
Weather
Northern section of old Geneva Basin ski area. 13,320 feet. East aspect. Windy with clear skies, temperature in the mid 20's. Slide occurred at approximately 3pm.
Snowpack
Generally quite thin on the approach, including several areas of zero coverage. This transitioned to slightly deeper with a significant crust at treeline and eastern aspect.
Avalanche
Three skiers, all AIARE L1, approached a roller that was wind swept to ground at the top, Skier 3 approached on skis and determined top part of slope to be too steep for safe descending. Party circled around roller, avoiding dangerous open and steep slopes to both sides. Party attempted to cross below roller on more shallow angle portion of lower slope to bench below. Skier 1 crossed to flats successfully. When Skier 1 was off slope, Skier 2 began crossing. Skier 3 remotely triggered slope, with crack then crown propagating approximately 200 feet to top of slope. Snow released above Skier 2, they triggered their airbag, were buried to mid-thigh, and able to dig themselves out. All skiers were uninjured. Crown varied from 1-2 feet, and snow slid to ground and near ground level. Angle of slope was variable, and in low/mid 30's.