Front Range

Snowpack

10:30a Estimated class 3 avy observed on Dragon's Tail Couloir, Rocky Mountain National Park. Couloir is SE aspect ranging in steepness from 50 deg. near top to 25 deg near bottom at Emerald Lake. Conditions at time were heavy, dense snow; no wind, good visibility and warm temps of approx. 28 deg. F. Two experienced backcountry skiers equipped with full avy gear and formal training skinned up the slope between Dragon's Tail and Dead Elk Couloir with intent of skiing bottom apron of Dead Elk. At top of apron, just below large rock outcropping, skiers were in the process of digging pit when the roar of avy alerted them to the danger. Skiers witnessed 90 seconds of high speed slide that ran visibly 900'. Skiers unable to spot crown above but estimate the slide originated just below the top of couloir with a total approx. slide length of 1700'. Largest deposit at bottom was 300' wide with appox. depth of 20-30'. Skiers were within 40' proximity to the slide. Snowpack was approx. 3' deep with top layer composed of dense, heavy, new snow. Unable to complete pit assessment due to "completely freaking out". Prior to slide, skiers had not observed any whumping and minimal fracturing. No observation of recent natural releases though there was debris present from a slide some time ago