Observation: Public

Observation Details

Triggered Avalanches

Observed Avalanches

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

We were travelling in a party of 4 to ski the South side of Pickhandle point via Bear gap in the crystal backcountry. We performed an ECT test on a S aspect inside bear gap which produced a reaction after 5 taps from the elbow. The Slab that broke was on top a very thin crust approx. 6 inches thick (10:30 AM). After deciding to move on (mistake) we skiied the S side of pickhandle point with amzing turns we were feeling confident in the snowpack and decided to ski the N side out to the PCT and back to the car. Once we had climbed back up pickhandle point there were more than 3" of new saturated snow than we had seen all day.

Once we decided to drop in to the N chutes of pickhandle I made an aggressive ski cut which produced no results that gave us any pause. I linked two turns into the chute when the rest of the slab broke and took me with it. I was turned upside down immediately, but had both my skis on - quickly I was turned over again and could see light, this happened one more time where I was turned upside down + started to wave my arms trying to get on top of the debris. I was able to get my hands + chest above the snowpack, still with my skis on. After gaining stability in my legs I cut left as hard as I could to avoid the rest of the avalanche.

I promptly yelled avalanche to warn the rest of the party, and we extracted ourselves out via bear gap.

more photos + video available if needed