Details

• Date: 2019/01/22

• Observer: David Fleischhauer
• Organization: Public

Location

• BC Zone: Front Range
• Area Description: Old Geneva pass ski area, with the avalanche occurring on the northern part of the area, between the top of runs formerly named Jolly Time and Silver Streak.
• Route Description: Started from south gate at Guanella Pass, and encountered only very thin snow all the way to the patroller's cabin. Descending NE from the old patroller's cabin, above treeline was very crusty and windswept. Effort was made to stay on slopes below 30 degrees, and to avoid the large and open steeper slope to the north of the ski area. One loud womph was heard by two members of the party. Once at treeline, snow was still very crusty, with a few cracks propagating. Party made an effort to stay on lower angle slopes to descend to the base area. No visible slides on planned route or on neighboring slopes or peaks.

Weather

• Weather Description: Northern section of old Geneva Basin ski area. 13,320 feet. East aspect. Windy with clear skies, temperature in the mid 20's. Slide occurred at approximately 3pm.

Snowpack

• Snowpack Description: Generally quite thin on the approach, including several areas of zero coverage. This transitioned to slightly deeper with a significant crust at treeline and eastern aspect.

Avalanches

• Avalanche Description: Three skiers, all AIARE L1, approached a roller that was wind swept to ground at the top, Skier 3 approached on skis and determined top part of slope to be too steep for safe descending. Party circled around roller, avoiding dangerous open and steep slopes to both sides. Party attempted to cross below roller on more shallow angle portion of lower slope to bench below. Skier 1 crossed to flats successfully. When Skier 1 was off slope, Skier 2 began crossing. Skier 3 remotely triggered slope, with crack then crown propagating approximately 200 feet to top of slope. Snow released above Skier 2, they triggered their airbag, were buried to mid-thigh, and able to dig themselves out. All skiers were uninjured. Crown varied from 1-2 feet, and snow slid to ground and near ground level. Angle of slope was variable, and in low/mid 30's.

	Date	Location/Path	#	Elev	Asp	Type	Trig	SizeR	SizeD
	2019/01/22  †		1	TL	E	HS	AS / u	R2	D2
Date: 2019/01/22 (Estimated) Observer: David Fleischhauer Organization: Public

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