Observation Date: 03/11/2014

Route/Location:
Downing Mountain in Bitterroots. Skiing east and north aspects up to 8500′

Weather:
Cloudy morning gave way to a warm and sunny afternoon. Froze down to low elevations last night. Snow line 5500′

Wind:
Last nights storm came in with strong winds out of the west. Wind scoured ridge lines, and wind loaded terrain was evident.

New Snow: 3-6″

Snow Density:

Avalanche Activity:
One small sized (R1.5/D1) unintentionally skier triggered avalanche. The avalanche occurred on an east aspect at roughly 8000′ 35 degree slope. Failed on a dense wind slab about 8″ deep. The avalanche did not propagate wide, maybe 50′, although carried ~400′ vertical. Broke at skiers feet, he was not carried by the slide at all.

We also experienced more dense wind slab conditions on a loaded north aspect.

Observed Danger Rating:

Other Comments:
Wind slabs were the main layer of concern today. We found dense wind slabs with bad strength on upper elevation N and E facing terrain.

Observer: Blake Votilla