Large Deep Slab Avalanche at Big Sky

Big Sky Resort
Northern Madison
Code
HS-AEc-R4-D3.5-G
Latitude
45.27800
Longitude
-111.45000
Notes

Big Sky Ski Patrol triggered a large deep slab avalanche during control work this morning, with a crown depth up to 10 feet deep. From the e-mail: "This is generally one of our most heavily wind loaded areas on the mountain with any wind with a westerly component.   It ran on a combo of ground and an ice crust that was sitting in a recessed area, probably leftover October snow.  Crown depth ranged from 10’ near the cornice but quickly tapered to an average of 3-5’." -BSSP 

Number of slides
1
Number caught
0
Number buried
0
Number killed
0
Avalanche Type
Hard slab avalanche
Trigger
An explosive thrown or placed on or under the snow surface by hand
Trigger Modifier
c-A controlled or intentional release by the indicated trigger
R size
4
D size
3.5
Bed Surface
G - Ground
Problem Type
Persistent Weak Layer
Slab Thickness
60.0 inches
Slab Layer Grain Type
Wind packed
Slab Thickness units
inches
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Single Avalanche
Advisory Year