- Human triggered avalanche- HS-AR-D2.5R2-O
- Skyscraper Mountain
- SSE aspect (160°), cross-loaded slope and features
- Triggered at 4200?
- Slope angle at crown = 43°
- Estimated size: 6-8? deep consistent across crown X 120? wide X 600? run
- Debris pile 12? deep X 185? wide, victim buried 7.5? deep
Victim was traveling by snowshoe, climbed Skyscraper Mountain, triggered avalanche while descending by snowboard. Victim was traveling with one other partner, neither were wearing avalanche beacons. Avalanche likely triggered above rider. Lack of avalanche beacons, and the depth of the burial contributed to a long burial time, approximately 45 minutes.
Jan 16, 2016 avalanche accident site on Skyscraper Mountain, HS-AR-D2.5R2-O
Jan 16, 2016 – Avalanche accident site
Large debris pile, approximately 12 feet deep
Average crown height 6-8?, 1F slab over F facets weak layer (large grain size difference) over F+ facets bed surface.
Hard slab chunks, P hardness, up to 3 feet thick. This avalanche had a consistent crown depth of 6?, but pulled out a much thicker wind loaded/deposited slab. Classic Persistent Slab triggered at shallow point.
Left debris pile is old natural avalanche from Jan 2. Right debris pile is the Jan 16 accident site.
Crown Profile Jan 16, 2016 Avalanche Accident
Weak layer