3/28/2024 Field Report - Vail & Summit County

I began descending the skier’s right branch of Silver Couloir at 9 am. I observed strong winds, blowing snow, and a stiff wind board on the surface of the snow. I anticipated moving something due to the conditions so I descended with extreme caution, hoping that if I did get the snow to react, it would be at my feet. Near the junction of the top Y portion of the couloir, I set off a slide that broke about 15’ above me. I was immediately knocked off my feet and started riding the snow. Thankfully, I was able to self arrest and only slid about 40-50’. After finding my poles (a few hundred feet below) I carefully and quickly exited the remainder of the couloir. The slide I escaped ran all the way to the bottom with a small debris pile filling the apron of Silver.