Size 1.5 slab avalanche on The Cleaver

Activity

Skiing

Total in the group?

2

People not injured (caught but not buried)?

1

People involved?

1

Terrain shape at trigger point

Convex

Terrain traps

• No obvious terrain trap

Softslab avalanche, size 1.5, skier accidental trigger, 15-20 cm thick at crown, 50m large, went down 100m, (20m x 15m x 0.5m debris).

North aspect, alpine, alt. 2400m, 35°, triggered 15m below ridgetop near rocks (occured on the Cleaver, below the cliff band separating the skintrack ramp from the big convex).

The ridge, the skintrack ramp and the big convex where all affected by the recent southerly winds. Looks like new snow overnight and these winds formed a fresh softslab in the most sheltered area.

Skier stayed on its skis trying to escape but fell while the avalanche was slowing down, ending up sitting at the surface of the debris. No lost item, no injuries.