Avalanche Occurrence

Observer:

SAC Forecaster

Verified by SAC?

Yes

Occurrence Date:

Feb 27, 2023 (+/- 1 day)

Location:

Copper Mtn - North Side

# of Avys:

1

Aspect:

N (NE)

Start Zone Elev:

8800ft

Size:

D2

Type:

SS-Soft Slab

Trigger:

AS-Skier
r-Remote

Bed Surface:

I-New/Old Interface

Width:

100ft

Comments:

The 1-2 ft thick crown extends into terrain that is mostly sheltered from the wind. The slide appeared to be remotely triggered by a skier from above.

NE face of Copper Mountain at 8,400'. This photo shows a portion of the crown of an avalanche that appeared to be remotely triggered by a skier from above. The avalanche was triggered in slightly more wind-affected terrain, though this crown in sheltered terrain points to the potential for encountering avalanche problems outside of areas that are obviously affected by the wind.

NE face of Copper Mountain, 8,700'. This photo shows a portion of the crown of an avalanche that was apparently remotely triggered by a skier from above. A small portion of the crown is visible directly below the ski track. This avalanche occurred in subtly wind-loaded terrain.

NE face of Copper Mountain, 8,700'. This photo shows a portion of the crown of an avalanche that was apparently remotely triggered by a skier from above. The crown is visible on the left side of the photo and the ski track is visible in the upper right. This avalanche occurred in subtly wind-loaded terrain.

NE face of Copper Mountain at 8,400'. This photo shows a portion of the crown of an avalanche that appeared to be remotely triggered by a skier from above. The avalanche was triggered in slightly more wind-affected terrain, though this crown in sheltered terrain points to the potential for encountering avalanche problems outside of areas that are obviously affected by the wind.

This large avalanche was observed on a N aspect of Copper Mountain near Banner Summit. The crown extends into terrain that is mostly sheltered from the wind.