Vail & Summit County
AvalancheAnonymous · Jan 20, 2020 · Vail & Summit County
Weather
Calm in the trees, but slight wind from the West on the ridge leading up to summit of Mt. Victoria. Overcast. Good visibility.
Snowpack
Around 6 inches of new snow in the trees, and no signs of wind slab. Elevation was around 11,000 feet on a NE facing slope at least 300-400 feet below the ridge in the trees. When digging hand pits, we noticed a weak crust layer about a foot below the surface, but we didn't encounter any slabs at the surface. Our observations occurred in moderately spaced trees, and the slide occurred in an open area with less trees.
Avalanche
R2D2 avalanche in the new snow that stepped down. Crown was around 16 inches and 75+ feet wide. Aspect: Northeast. Elevation: 11,000. Slope angle: Low 40's. Skier triggered upon entering an open section in the trees. Skier was carried around 150 feet and was able to grab a tree to avoid being carried to the bottom. Skier was uninjured and was not buried.