Colorado Avalanche Information Center

Suspect test slope failed after I removed one ski and boot penetrated to ground. Large collapse propagated entire slope back onto 20 deg slope at ridgeline. Stability tests confirmed instability even after slope collapsed. Representative of all NW-N-E aspects near and and above treeline where very weak facets exist at the ground.

35cm of new wind blown snow has brought the scales close to tipping. Poor structure prior to the storm has a load that is now waiting for a trigger. Pit location is not loaded as much as ridgeline terrain. Expect human triggered avalanches in terrain over 35 deg.