Avalanche on Lone Mountain

Avalanche on Lone Mountain

This avalanche was triggered by explosives by the Moonlight Basin Ski Patrol; however, this slope was heavily wind loaded and could have easily been triggered by a skier or rider.  The snowpack is thin and weak with very large facets sitting under a fresh wind slab.  This is a classic recipe for an avalanche.  See a snowpit from the adjacent slope at: http://bit.ly/tL6j78  Also, see a video: http://bit.ly/vyZgut  Photo: GNFAC

 

 

Northern Madison, 2011-12-09