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

Subject: [MCR] avalanche accident report - Empire Hut, west of Kaslo
Date: Sun, 10 Mar 2013 19:49:05 -0700
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

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