Bow Summit avalanche

Avalanche date/time

Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 20:00

Estimated occurrence time of avalanche

From 24 to 48 hours ago

Number of avalanches in this report

1

The size of avalanche

2.5

Slab width

275m

Run length

400m

Avalanche Character

• Deep persistent slab

Trigger type

Natural

Start zone aspect

• E

Start zone elevation band

• Alpine

Start zone elevation

2,500m

Start zone incline

45°

Runout zone elevation

2,250m

Weak layer crystal type

• Depth hoar

Wind exposure

Lee slope

Vegetation cover

Open slope

Large avalanche above the ski tour lines on Bow Summit that ran down the upper slope and into the gully below (where people sometimes ski). Estimate the avalanche occurred on Wednesday, Feb 22. The avalanche was down to the ground level and the fracture line ranged from 50 cm to 100 cm with lots or rocks.

Of note: the adjacent slope to the north has not avalanched. This slope sometimes skied, is usually a terrible snowpack and is the avalanche path that runs directly across the Bow Summit main trail (upper road). Watch out for this one.