Observation: Public

Observation Details

Triggered Avalanches

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Skied a very familiar N/NE aspect with 2 experienced friends. On the second lap, I broke away from them about 200 feet to ski a lower angled, sheltered line . . . the first 10 turns were easy and soft, then I cut right onto a small ridge and FRACTURE - in all directions, including above me, pushing me downhill and quickly into trees. As I tried to ski out my skis were getting buried, and the fracture just continued in the same trajectory with me, growing in intensity, as I navigated through the high alpine trees. I knew I could not hit a tree or I would be "tree welled" and potentially buried, away from my group. . . . I aimed for a high point in the sluff and was able to "get above it" on a snow covered boulder. But it was very real for a moment and not responsible of me for sure to be that far away - even uphill of them. They both had no idea it happened - though I never stopped shouting SLIDE! SLIDE! SLIDE as I knew I might need them. Luckily I skied away unharmed, with a healthy slice of humility. Though we did not dig a pit, my hunch was sheltered surface hoar with lots of fresh snow over the last few days. I was fortunate it didn't slab more, as that would have made skiing and staying in control even more challenging. We also did not have a camera to document, which is unfortunate because the quantity of trees would make you think it's "safe".
Anyway, be careful out there. . . there are sleeping pockets of dangerous snow that caught me off guard today. Might want to reconsider the overall rating for WA PASS - not feeling very "moderate" after that experience.