Avalanche Occurrence

Skiers triggered this 2-3 foot thick avalanche from low on the slope Friday afternoon in Grand Prize. The skiers were caught, and one was partially buried. NNW aspect near 9800'. Photo: Preuss.

Observer:

Professional

Verified by SAC?

Yes

Occurrence Date:

Apr 15, 2022 (Exact)

Location:

Grand Prize

# of Avys:

Aspect:

N (N,NW)

Start Zone Elev:

9800ft

Size:

Type:

SS-Soft Slab

Trigger:

AS-Skier
u-Unintentional

Bed Surface:

O-Old Snow

Depth:

2ft

Width:

100ft

Vertical Fall:

600ft

Weak Layer:

Apr 10, 2022 (FC)

Comments:

Avalanche failed on a layer of faceted snow that formed in early April.

Human Involvement:

2 - Partially Buried Non-Critical

Vehicle Involvement:

None Reported

Structure Involvement:

None Reported

Comments:

Party of 2 skiers, both caught while skinning up the slope. One skier deployed an airbag and stayed on top of the debris. The other skier's legs were buried and needed assistance getting dug out of the debris.

Avalanche Occurrence

General Information

Observer:

Verified by SAC?

Occurrence Date:

Location:

Avalanche Characteristics

# of Avys:

Aspect:

Start Zone Elev:

Size:

Type:

Trigger:

Bed Surface:

Depth:

Width:

Vertical Fall:

Weak Layer:

Comments:

Impacts

Human Involvement:

Vehicle Involvement:

Structure Involvement:

Comments:

Media