Cheops Shelf Close Call

Activity

Skiing

Total in the group?

3

People fully buried?

0

People partly buried with impaired breathing?

0

People partly buried with normal breathing?

0

People not injured (caught but not buried)?

1

People injured (caught but not buried)?

0

People involved?

1

Terrain shape at trigger point

Unsupported

Snow depth at trigger point

Variable

Terrain traps

• Cliff

The snow at the entrance of Cheops North #2 (Cheops Shelf) was not reactive to skiers with little wind effect noted. A large cornice block was dropped on the slope while digging out the rappel anchors causing a Size 1 loose dry avalanche. Within the first 100m of decent the surface slab became touchy. First skier was able to ski cut multiple size 1-1.5 wind slabs. The group would have certainly bailed if that option was available but the rope had been pulled and all three skiers were committed to the slope.

Second skier on slope triggered a 10-20cm wind slab (Sz 1.5) and was carried for approx. 40m before being able to self arrest. Skier involved lost both skis but was able to self rescue with assistance from team.

Wind slabs were failing on a temperature crust with faceting noted on the top of the crust. Group suspects the increased reactivity below ridgetop was due to additional solar exposure as the line tilts North East making buried crust firmer, and periods of strong North wind this morning adding to wind slab development.

Very lucky to to not have any injuries from this involvement.