Observation: Public

Location:

Lanham Lake

Comments:

Lots of very active dry loose activity in recent storm snow - basically every turn on slopes 38 degrees or higher. Pit was dug on the intended ski slope expecting to find a soft slab in the recent snow. Results were inconclusive, producing no discernable shear at ECT 25+ (very surprising considering the 60cms of recent snow). Decided to ski the slope acknowledging very active dry-loose conditions. Careful 2-3 turn pitches stopping in safe zones made for slow but excellent skiing. 2nd lap moved into a slightly steeper, slightly more open, and unsupported* rib feature. This was the difference that made a slab failure possible in this spot and not in the pit 200 ft away. 2nd turn on the pictured sunny rib popped a 60-70 cm soft slab that propagated 100ft through trees, small gullies and ribs. Slide ran about 600-700ft. Skier was left standing on high ground (the pictured sunny rib) and was not caught or carried. My takeaway for the day: just because I had an inconclusive result in a pit didn't mean the storm slab that my other senses suspected. Pits are helpful, but it's super important to heed other warnings, and trust your gut if you suspect a problem that doesn't show up in the pit.

Did you observe any avalanches? 

Yes

Comments:

Dry loose sloughs were running off of even the smallest disturbances to the surface, quickly gathering volume and energy running 200-300ft through dense trees on slopes steeper than 35 degrees.