Avalanche Eureka Peak

Sunny, Calm Wind. Avlanche Center Report-Moderate Wind slab and Persistant Slab.

Group of three left Johnsville parking lot at 10:30. Plan to get up and look for cold snow. Approched open bowls, and observed inital warming on east and south aspects. Attention was brougnt to the ridge line above museum run. With the sunny day and limited surface red flags excitment rose about skiing off the ridge and skiing into the main shot. Discussion about the terrian and snow included the problem of persistant slab and wind slabs.

Skiier 1 skiied lower angle run to get eyes on the steeper run skiier 2 and 3 were planning to ski. Skiier 2 dropped chosen run and skiied steep pitch 45 degrees and stopped behind an old growth tree. Skiier 3 dropped in and skiied slightly to the right where the slope angle was slightly lower around 38 degrees. The snow cracked at skiier 3's skis and propagated ahead and behind skiier 3. Skiier 3 was able to self arrest on bed surface. All skiiers were accounted for. Group made phone contact with another known group skiing in the area, and they were clear of the area. Group involved skied out the debris.

The bed surface of this avalanche was on the rain event layer March 14th. The surface was slick ice and was difficult for skiier 3 to self arrest on.