4/28/2024 Field Report - Vail & Summit County
Report Information
A snowshoer fell off a cornice in a whiteout and subsequently triggered a small avalanche on the east face of Baldy Mt.
Information relayed to CAIC forecaster from Summit County Rescue Group and involved party.
Baldy Mt
Avalanche
While descending after abandoning a summit attempt, a snowshoer became disoriented in a whiteout/clouds and fell off the cornice edge. While attempting to climb back out they triggered a D1 Storm Slab avalanche that ran approximately 900ft. They were caught and carried but ultimately not buried. They were able to call 911 which initiated a search and rescue response. The party said they were stuck and voiced concerns about triggering additional avalanches. While attempting to traverse to a nearby ridge they triggered a second, smaller avalanche but did not get carried. Summit County Rescue Group responded to the scene and were able to help the stuck party back to the ridgeline with the assistance of a rope system. The height of the cornice was 20-30ft tall and overhung. It should be noted the cornice did not fail in this case, the party walked off the edge.
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Date | # | Elev | Asp | Type | Trig | SizeR | SizeD | Problem Type |
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04/28/2024
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2 | >TL | E | SS | AF | R1 | D1 | Storm Slab | |
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Date and Time
04/28/2024 -
11:20am
(estimated)
Start Zone Elevation
12,600 ft
Sliding Surface
O
Weak Layer
Interface
Weak Layer Type
Precipitation Particles
Max Release Width
200 ft
Max Release Vertical
900 ft
Max Crown Height
18 in
Area Description
East aspect of Bald Mt ridgem, north of the summit. |
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Weather
Generally warm with periods of sun and light snow. Cloud level was near treeline when present.