Human Triggered Avalanches 12-11-04

                                                        Logan Peak Area

                   A sunny weekend day and a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger                  

                On slopes that did not naturally avalanche last week, human triggered avalanches were likely.

This small avalanche in South Rodeo Grounds was triggered on Thursday.   There is a good chance you could trigger another avalanche on this slope.

This avalanche was triggered just before we arrived.  Given the slope size, these folks were enjoying the sunshine in a dangerous position, well within the potential run out zone.  Someone triggered an avalanche on the slope to the left, less than a half hour after this picture was taken.

                                               The avalanche was about 2 feet deep and 50 feet across.

      Avalanches may be fun to ride in,  but these slabs are dangerous.  The deposition sets up like concrete when the avalanche stops.

                   We saw evidence of extensive avalanching in the area.  This broad crown is on the east face of Providence Peak off Horse Ridge.

       Remember, a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger means that human triggered avalanches are likely.  The slope to left is suspect.

                               This drifted-in natural avalanche off Red Pine Ridge was 2 to 6 feet deep and about 80 feet wide.

                                                     Winds, last week, drifted a thick slab onto weak sugary snow.