Front Range
AvalancheSam Gifford · Jan 31, 2019 · Front Range
Weather
Wind Speed: Calm/L Wind Loading: Previous Temperature: N/O Sky Cover: CLR Depth of Total Snow: N/O Warm and clear day, Light winds on ridge and Calm below treeline.
Snowpack
I did not complete a profile. However observed signs of previous wind loading on adjacent slopes. There was evidence of previously wind loading on the slope that slid. collapsing underfoot and cracking in wind packed surface layers was widespread on SE and S aspects.
Avalanche
Berthoud Pass, Russell Peak, 11,800', SE 20190131 15:25 HS-AS/u-R2/D2.5-O Crown Depth: 1-4ft Width: 450ft Fall: 300ft Runout: 750ft Start Zone: T Terminus: BP Bed Surface Layer: U Comments: Large skier triggered avalanche observed on SE aspect below ridge of Russell Peak. Observed multiple ski tracks in area and a single track above the crown terminating at the fracture line. I climbed on to the hard slab debris and completed a coarse beacon search. I did not get consistent signal at any point during the search/climb. After reaching the bed surface above the stauchwall, I observed the the ski tracks exited the flank and led to a skin track heading back towards "Pumphouse." The slide was likely triggered at a spot where the snowpack was thin as the crown was most shallow near the entry ski track. I exited the left flank and followed the skin track eventually bringing me back to "WYSkis" Then I descended to the summit parking lot. I asked around if anyone had seen or heard about the avalanche. Eventually, met a gentleman from who said he triggered it while attempting to traverse above the slope to "safer" adjacent slopes. **He was not familiar with the area and was not carrying rescue equipment or wearing a transceiver**