Woody Ridge/ Skier triggered avalanche.

Woody Ridge/ Skier triggered avalanche.

Date
Activity
Skiing

A 100’ wide by 12”-24” deep avalanche was triggered by a skier on a North East aspect of Woody Ridge at 9000’. Skier was carried and partially buried after arresting on a tree. The area was short pitches with rollovers and pillow/shelf features. Once the skier was in avalanche terrain the wind loaded storm slab released exposing a faceted layer which the new snow had not bound with. The release occurred where the slope went from 20 degrees to 30 degree terrain. A pit dug the previous day (2/4/2020) on the same slope resulted in an ECT 50 + and a CT 38. Afterward that day we proceeded up the ridge to find wind slabs formed at the top of the ridge which would release when cut. Today, the snow felt stable on the ascent through trees and on tree covered ridges. When we turned around in what we considered “mellow”/“putt putt” terrain due to an intensifying storm and the day becoming late we skied through some exposed ridges and drops. First skier saw no avalanche activity through broken up terrain. Second skier triggered the slide on the first turn. After the event a third skier skied the tree covered ridge used for the ascent and was clear. Whompfing was observed in the trees below the pillows after the event likely from an increase in temperature and loading of the slope.

Region
Cooke City
Location (from list)
Woody Ridge
Observer Name
Riis Wilbrecht