[MCR] avalanche accident report - Empire Hut, west of Kaslo

Hi everyone,

a good friend of mine was involved in a skier-triggered avalanche west of Kaslo near the Empire Hut and wanted for me to pass on the details so that others might avoid the same situation.  

Here are the details:

• occurrence: 0945 on Saturday, March 9
  
• location: Blue Ridge, above the Empire Hut (accessible by snowmobile via the Buchanan Forest Service Rd) - coordinates: N 51.03'08.0 by W 117.08'55.9''
• Avalanche size: estimated at 2-2.5 slab avalanche
  
• Avalanche trigger: 1 skier
• # involved: 1 person - ended up with a broken leg
• Aspect: S-SW
• Elevation 2260m
• Incline of the start zone: 38 degrees
• Depth at the crown: 40cm
• width at the widest section: approximately 250m
• length: approximately 200m
• suspected weak layer: surface hoar size 3-9mm lying over a crust (February 12th)

this has definitely been an active layer lately so stay safe out there and remember that if in doubt, your terrain choice will always make a difference.

Emily Grady

www.coldsmokeguiding.com
ACMG ASG / AHG
CAA Pro Member

_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The 
ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in 
continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable 
nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information 
provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions 
Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
See http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
See http://informalex.org/subscribe.shtml#unsubscribe to remove your name from 
this list.