Public Field Report

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Event happened earlier in the week. This was the first day Blizzard Mountain was open for the season. Cornice build up due to high (>50 mph) winds on leeward side of hill. Cornice drop just below Summit of surface lift. Avalanche started on ~35 degree slope, ran ~120 meters in length, and was ~30 meters wide. Deposition zone was 1’-3’ in depth. 4-6” of snow had fallen on slide. Performed ski cutting and cornice cutting activities, which resulted in large sections (1 m3) of the remaining cornice to break out and fall to existing deposition zone. Significant additional wind loading was witnessed throughout the day until closing @ 1520 due to high winds. Avalanche is “Looker’s Right” of surface lift, just below Summit. Deposition path below.