Skier accidental avalanche on Quartz Hill, Banff NP

Avalanche date/time

Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 22:00

Estimated occurrence time of avalanche

From 12 to 24 hours ago

Number of avalanches in this report

1

The size of avalanche

2

Slab thickness

50cm

Slab width

35m

Run length

120m

Avalanche Character

• Persistent slab

Trigger type

Skier

Trigger subtype

Accidental

Start zone aspect

• NE

Start zone elevation band

• Alpine

Start zone elevation

2,530m

Start zone incline

43°

Weak layer crystal type

• Facets

Wind exposure

Lee slope

Avalanche occurred on February 8, 2025. Reported that the first person was still on the slope as the second person started down. Unsure where the slope was triggered from. At least one person rode to the bottom of the debris but stayed on the surface. No injuries and the group was able to ski out on their own.

The avalanche appeared to involve a steep 48° roll at the top that was mostly faceted and failed as a sluff/soft slab down to a deep layer of facets. The main slab failed lower on the slope at an angle of 43°. The slab was made up of 20 cm of recent soft snow over a 30 cm hard slab with a very weak layer of persistent facets 50 cm below the surface. Unsure of the date of the buried weak facet layer. HS was 170 cm at the fracture line.

If possible, please report any avalanches near ski areas to the local ski patrol so that they know what happened and whether or not anyone needs assistance.