Lionhead

We rode back to the recommended wilderness boundary through Denny Creek, Watkins Creek, etc. We saw the avalanche triggered by a ground of riders around the corner from Airplane Bowl. It was 150’ wide x 4-5’ deep and 150-200’ vertical. The debris was piled 5-6’ deep, certainly deep enough to bury or injury a rider or skier. This was a close call.

We observed several recent storm and wind slab avalanches from Lionhead Ridge but not other deep slab avalanches. The snowpack structure is similar to what we have seen in the past rides to the area, a 3” thick layer of facets 1-2’ deep and facets buried near the base of the snowpack. Avalanches are becoming less likely without new snow, but the structure will keep the danger heightened for a while.

Looking forward, there was surface hoar covering most slopes, and it is supposed to snow lightly through the week. We will be watching this for a possible new layer of concern.