Persistent Slab Avalanche in Hayden Creek

Persistent Slab Avalanche in Hayden Creek

Date
Activity
Skiing

Just got out from a hot few days at the Woody Creek Cabin. A highlight of the trip was watching a natural avalanche come off the unsupported northly end of the Climax slide path on Sunday the 17th. We believe it was remotely triggered by a wet loose point release which occurred a second before and ran immediately adjacent to the slab avalanche (see photo). Our best estimate for size is R2-D2, approximately 1.5m deep, and based on Google Earth measurements 75-100m wide, running about 200m. This occurred just before noon as the path received direct sunlight.

We also saw numerous roller balls and D1-1.5 loose wet avalanches in the Climax Path. The largest of which ran about 250 m, likely a D1.5 as it didn't have the mass for a D2 despite the distance.

We travelled in the trees on the east side of the valley, and gave run-outs a large berth. We skied moist snow on south aspects in Olie's Woods. 

Region
Cooke City
Location (from list)
Hayden Creek
Observer Name
N. deLeeuw