Location: Crested Butte Area
Date of Observation: 12/10/2018
Name: Crested Butte Ski Patrol
Subject: Post control release with ski cut
Aspect: East
Elevation: 11400
Avalanches:
ASu-R1-D.5-O.
Explosives had been thrown in the area nearby, on more southerly aspects affecting only new storm snow or wind slabs. The area subsequently ski cut had not been previously affected by traffic or explosives, and contained unique terrain features, acting as trigger points, that were linked by the ski cut. The resulting failure was not anticipated. No other results from ski cuts were observed on similar aspects or elevations.
Weather: Clear, mid-20’s, calm
Snowpack: Typically supportive mid pack, new snow & recent wind slabs reactive to explosives at depths of 6″-8″ were observed. Depth of snow at ski cut that triggered release was approximately 55-60cm. 6-8mm surface hoar observed near and above tree line on east through north facing aspects.
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