Karl Birkeland of the National Avalanche Center investigates the crown face of the avalanche on Saddle Peak. He looks at the weak layer on which this avalanche slid, describes when it formed, and why skier compaction had no effect on it.
From the avalanche report 2010-02-18: "The trigger for this avalanche happened to be a tumbling cornice, but it didn't matter whether it was a cornice or a skier. The weight of the trigger was insignificant. What was important was finding the right place on the slope to initiate a fracture in the weak layer, and this spot was one of the several rock bands near the summit."
From the avalanche report 2010-02-18: "The trigger for this avalanche happened to be a tumbling cornice, but it didn't matter whether it was a cornice or a skier. The weight of the trigger was insignificant. What was important was finding the right place on the slope to initiate a fracture in the weak layer, and this spot was one of the several rock bands near the summit."
sharaldson 2 years ago
so even with all the new snow do you think a skier could have triggered the slope? or did it still need the large load from the cornice?
brandro87 2 years ago