Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Paul StanleyObservation Date:
January 20, 2023Submitted:
January 21, 2023Zone or Region:
West NorthActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Happy Bunny Butte (aka Video Peak)Triggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
NoAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a personElevation:
5400'Aspect:
NEComments:
Snowboarder triggered R1.5/D1.5 wind slab avalanche, 5400' elevation on NE aspect of Happy Bunny Butte (aka Video Peak). Roughly 70' wide, 220' long. Soft Slab. Maximum crown depth was about 12".Signs of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
Yes, IsolatedDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
NoObservations
Our group sought out North facing terrain which was holding the lowest density snow. Likelihood of finding a wind slab problem was isolated but probable on slopes steep enough. Misread the slope mid-ride and went into exactly that style of terrain which should have been avoided. Shooting cracks were observed underneath me and to the riders left of me as I was airborne, so I landed and exited stage right toward a lower angle ridge with trees. Large enough slide to maybe partially bury a person, full burial unlikely but wouldn't rule it out entirely. Injury also a possibility I suppose. No riders/skiers caught. Weather was clear, some thin high clouds. Temps steady in the alpine most of the day around 27F. Avalanche occurred two days after the last snowfall on 1/18, so it seems likely that this will continue to be somewhat of a problem as new snowfall arrives Saturday afternoon/evening. Travel with caution.
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