Vail & Summit County

Avalanche

Becs Hodgetts · Jan 19, 2014 · Vail & Summit County

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Weather

Light to Moderate west winds at ridgetop. No blowing snow observed. Air temp -2C at 11471 feet. Clear skies.

Snowpack

South slopes below and near treeline 120 to 150 cm total depth. Exposed south aspects below treeline 20 to 80cm total depth. Surface hoar up to 5mm widespread south and west slopes below and near treeline. Formed over 5cm thick melt freeze crust on south aspects. Surface hoar sheltered from sun and wind may be preserved into next snowfall. West slopes above treeline stripped bare or sastrugi. Large cornice formed in alpine over east and southeast facing slopes.

Avalanche

Observed results of prior large cornice fall east aspect above treeline (estimate date ran at 1/14/2014). Cornice fall triggered HS R2D2 NC I (stepped to ground mid-track). Ran to lost lake. Av crown 3'. Max crown 7'. Max vertical 900' Av width 100. Average slope 35 degrees, max slope 40 degrees.