[MCR] avalanche accident report - Empire Hut, west of Kaslo

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

Hi everyone,

a good friend of mine was involved in a skier-triggered avalanche west of
Kaslo near the Empire Hut and wanted for me to pass on the details so that
others might avoid the same situation.

Here are the details:

   - occurrence: 0945 on Saturday, March 9
   - location: Blue Ridge, above the Empire Hut (accessible by snowmobile
   via the Buchanan Forest Service Rd) - coordinates: N 51.03'08.0 by W
   117.08'55.9''
   - Avalanche size: estimated at 2-2.5 slab avalanche
   - Avalanche trigger: 1 skier
   - # involved: 1 person - ended up with a broken leg
   - Aspect: S-SW
   - Elevation 2260m
   - Incline of the start zone: 38 degrees
   - Depth at the crown: 40cm
   - width at the widest section: approximately 250m
   - length: approximately 200m
   - suspected weak layer: surface hoar size 3-9mm lying over a crust
   (February 12th)

this has definitely been an active layer lately so stay safe out there and
remember that if in doubt, your terrain choice will always make a
difference.

Emily Grady

www.coldsmokeguiding.com
ACMG ASG / AHG
CAA Pro Member
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