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Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 30, 2023
Submitted:
March 30, 2023
Zone or Region:
Mammoth Lakes
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Punta Bardini SE - remote triggered slab

Observations

While skinning on the ridgeline of Punta Bardini this morning, we remotely triggered a D1.5 or D2 avalanche on the adjacent SE face. Crown height was around 40cm. A hand pit dug moments before sheared on a thin melt-freeze or sun crust at the same depth, and it appeared that the slab failed on this same layer. Debris ran the length of the face and well into low-angle terrain in Solitude canyon.

We also noted several natural avalanches on the N/NW aspects of Solitude Peak.

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
No
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
9500
Aspect:
SE
Comments:
Photos:

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
9500'-10,000'
Aspect:
N
Comments:
Multiple natural wind slabs in northerly terrain, see photos.

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Media

Side view of crown of remotely-triggered slab, SE aspect of Punta Bardini
Natural wind slab on N aspect, Solitude Peak
Natural wind slab in steep terrain on NW aspect, Solitude Peak
Clean shear on a thin melt-freeze crust under storm snow, SE aspect at 9500'
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