There was a skier triggered hard slab, estimated size R1-D2 avalanche in the cirque above Granite Lakes, Yosemite National Park on January 15, 2013.
The hard slab was triggered on a south facing slope. Two people were caught in this avalanche, while two spotted from above. The second skier triggered a shallow (12") wind slab that broke approximately 80' above her and carried her downhill approximately 200'(crown width approximately 150' wide; south-facing 35 degree slope). The skier remained on top of the debris. She deployed her ballon bag but was not sure if deployment was responsible for keeping her on top of the debris. The first skier was briefly caught in the slide before successfully skiing off the right flank. He was not buried but did lose a ski pole in the debris. There were no injuries. All members were wearing avalanche transceivers and all had shovels and probes.
