Mike P.
Well-known member
How about on the South Slide of Tripyramid?
Avy Danger on South Slide
- Thread starter Mike P.
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DougPaul
Well-known member
At least one section has a slope of 32 deg which is enough to slide.
(slope from the topo)
Doug
(slope from the topo)
Doug
el-bagr
New member
Short answer: in my opinion, yes.
The slide reaches into the 30+ degree range, well into the zone of avalanche risk. Most avalanches occur on slopes between 30 and 45 degrees, but can occur on any slope angles (including ridiculously unsteep ones) given the right/unusual conditions. Slides occur as low as 10-15 degrees. This isn't likely, but it's possible. South Slide doesn't have many anchors in its bed surface.
Note too that South Slide, like many others in our woods, has micropitches and convex rolls that are far steeper than the average slope -- classic trigger zones.
Have I been there without seeing avalanches? Sure. I think the bigger hazard might be ice bands, particularly before the spring. Still, I've caused sluffs (small dry-snow slides) on North Slide, which is different but generally similar.
The slide reaches into the 30+ degree range, well into the zone of avalanche risk. Most avalanches occur on slopes between 30 and 45 degrees, but can occur on any slope angles (including ridiculously unsteep ones) given the right/unusual conditions. Slides occur as low as 10-15 degrees. This isn't likely, but it's possible. South Slide doesn't have many anchors in its bed surface.
Note too that South Slide, like many others in our woods, has micropitches and convex rolls that are far steeper than the average slope -- classic trigger zones.
Have I been there without seeing avalanches? Sure. I think the bigger hazard might be ice bands, particularly before the spring. Still, I've caused sluffs (small dry-snow slides) on North Slide, which is different but generally similar.
RoySwkr
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I have been up it 4 times with snow cover sometimes deep enough for snowshoes, did not think there was serious danger any of those days. Felt it was too steep to descend safely and twice went down in woods alongside, the other 2 times went down Scaur Ridge Trail.
Almost any place can have avalanche danger, right after a sticky snowfall I have seen snow on the face of Cathedral/Whitehorse Ledges which are usually considered too steep. Be prepared to turn around or bushwhack if the conditions are not to your liking.
Almost any place can have avalanche danger, right after a sticky snowfall I have seen snow on the face of Cathedral/Whitehorse Ledges which are usually considered too steep. Be prepared to turn around or bushwhack if the conditions are not to your liking.
