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Skier Triggered Avalanche in Sun Bowl
Location Name:
Green Butte, Sun BowlRegion:
Mt. ShastaDate and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown):
Sun, 12/18/2016 (All day)Observation made by:
ForecasterRed Flags:
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Location Map
United States
41° 22' 12.7452" N, 122° 12' 54.324" W
See map: Google Maps
US
Avalanche Observations
Details
Characteristics
Avalanche Type:
DrySlabTrigger type:
SkierSlope:
35degreesAspect:
SouthElevation:
8 700ft.Terrain:
Above TreelineWeak Layer:
Other - explain belowBed Surface:
Old SnowCrown Height:
1 ftAvalanche Width:
600ft.Avalanche Length:
800ft.Number of similar avalanches:
1Number of people caught:
2Weather Observations
Details
Continuous wind transport of snow was observed throughout the day. Average wind speeds were moderate with strong gusts. Wind direction was variable and was observed blowing from the SW, W, and NW. Temperatures ranged from 15-20F and skies were sunny and clear.
Statistics
Cloud Cover:
ClearBlowing Snow:
YesPrecipitation:
NoneAir temperature:
Below FreezingAir temperature trend:
StaticWind Speed:
ModerateWind Direction:
West
Avalanche Classification Code: SS-AS-u-R3-D2
Preliminary Information:
Two backcountry skiers were caught, carried, remained on top of the snow surface, and were uninjured in this avalanche. The avalanche occurred on a south aspect at 8700ft in Sun Bowl off of Green Butte Ridge. The estimated dimensions of the avalanche are as follows: crown depth 12-18", 600ft wide, 800ft vertical run. The avalanche failed within newly wind deposited snow that likely formed yesterday and today. The avalanche occurred while both skiers where descending the slope. One skier had fallen and lost a ski, and as the second skier traversed across the slope to help retrieve the ski, the avalanche was triggered. Both skiers were able to ride the flowing avalanche debris to a stop at the bottom of the slope without being injured or buried.