Avalanche Occurrence
General Information
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster
Occurrence Date:
Mar 26, 2023 ()
Location:
Lichtenberg Mtn
Comments:
See public ob for more information: https://nwac.us/public-obs/21705/
Based on video, cracking and initial failure was seen on 3rd turn of skier 2, right around when they were crossing skier 1's tracks. I attempted a crown investigation the day after, but significant hangfire was present so I didn't travel all the way down to the crown.
First 3 photos are mine from the day after, last 3 are from the public observation, during the incident.
Avalanche Characteristics
# of Avys:
1Aspect:
NStart Zone Elev:
5780ftSize:
D1.5 / R2Type:
SS-Soft SlabTrigger:
AS-Skieru-Unintentional
Bed Surface:
I-New/Old InterfaceDepth:
0.5ft (max: 1ft)Width:
40ftStart Zone Slope:
41°Vertical Fall:
100ftComments:
Avalanche broke midway down the slope, low in the start zone. Investigating ~30ft above the crown, about 10ft below the ridgeline. At the new/old interface, where the failure looks to have occurred, I found some near surface facets and rounding surface hoar mixed at the interface, beneath the soft wind slab of newer snow which failed.
Impacts
Human Involvement:
2 - Partially Buried Non-CriticalVehicle Involvement:
None ReportedStructure Involvement:
None ReportedComments:
Both skiers caught were taken through large trees midway down the slope, just before the slope angle decreased more. No injuries resulted. A ski released while caught in the slide, but was retrieved afterward.
Media
