Triggered Avalanche 3/2/2025 local_see
Avalanche triggered
Colden
Date & Time
3/2/2025 alternate_email 10:45 AM
Location
Colden
Elevation & Aspect
3,800 / Northeast
Mode of Travel
Skiing/Snowboarding
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall / Other Precipitation, Drifting Snow / Windloading
Triggered Avalanche
Slab
D2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person.
NE facing slope @ 3,800’ was wind loaded with new snow and SW winds on an old, wind buffed layer. Approx 30’ wide, 6-10” deep crown that ran approx 100’. Skier triggered slide with slope that was likely weakened by ascent route.
Observation Details
The rest of the snowpack showed no signs of major red flags. The only red flag to us was what we triggered, wind loaded NE slope. This particular spot had a steeper angle than anything else in the slide with that aspect. I had planned to ski this area very cautiously and diligently with an easy exit strategy.
Observation Photos
Crown open_in_new full size
Skier inspecting slide path open_in_new full size
