- Location: Mt Loveland, Thompson Pass
- State: Alaska
- Date: 2011/04/09
- Time: 3:45 PM (Estimated)
- Summary Description: 2 skiers caught: no injuries
- Primary Activity: Backcountry Tourer
On the afternoon of the second day after a 2' snowfall drifted by moderate to strong southeasterly wind, four skiers ascended a south aspect slope at 5300' elevation on Mt Loveland at Thompson Pass. After feeling and/or hearing a whumpf, they dug a snow profile and performed an Extended Column Test. Upon resuming their ascent into slightly steeper terrain, around 40 degrees, the two skiers skinning ahead felt and/or heard a second larger whumpf. They decided to turn back. At the time of the second whumpf, the first skier had just started ascending from a switchback. As the first skier backtracked closer to the second person ascending the slope, they triggered a size 2 avalanche which swept both of them 500' downslope without injury. They estimated the crown to be 2.5'-3' deep.
Steven,
As a forecaster, I too am grateful mountain travelers share their experiences. Doing so really helps us all. We can thank the involved in this incident for their maturity and confidence to tell their story. It would be great to have them, and you, involved in our statewide mission to up our game.
Wow.
Thanks for sharing