Colorado Avalanche Information Center

Crown profile of fatal avalanche on 2/16/21

No cracking visible on the surface usually, but cracking at the weak layer (Jan 19FC below the crust) in my track.

After the profile was dug to the ground, but columns had not yet been isolated, the second observer stepped out of skis This initiated a large whumphf that propagated a sudden collapse fracture at 41 and 51 simultaneously.

The avalanche failed 27cm up from the ground in 2-4mm facets that formed in December.