R1.5/D1 Windslab / Crossloaded Slope, Semi-Remote Trigger: Aprox. Elevation: 9277' Slope Angle in Gully: 37 deg.

Aspect: 182 deg.

Gully off of Binx's Ridge, LCC

Myself, Sean T., and two friends were skiing Emma Ridge / Binx's Ridge on the afternoon of 12.27.2021. We had discussed the dangers of wind loading, wind slabs, and wind pockets before starting out. We observed a relatively stable snow pack on the approach, except for a few quick pole punch tests where we observed a quickly accumulating wind slab on some slopes. We reached the ridge in about 35 minutes, and immediately noticed large cornicing and wind loading on top of the ridge line. We again discussed the dangers of wind-loading, skiing leeward slopes, terrain traps, and proceeded with caution. We transitioned at the top of Emma Ridge (10200 elev.) and the first skier dropped onto the slope. Giving each other adequate and safe space, we each dropped the slope. At aprox. 15:23 the first skier remotely triggered a wind slab that had accumulated in a gully off of the ridge, which is well known for sliding. This terrain trap was identified by all members of the party. When the entire team reached the island of safety, established by the first skier, the first skier stated how he had skied up to the edge of the gully, watched shooting cracks propagate beneath him, and immediately skied away. The second and third skiers identified the approximate depth of the slab to be between 16"-20".

All members of the party made it off the mountain safely and without incident. BC skiers be warned! Emma and Binx's ridges are relatively safe, considering the snow pack, but there are many terrain traps surrounding those areas. Proceed with caution, be aware on the uphill and downhill, and do not be folly to the potential wind slabs that are accumulating through the rest of this storm cycle. High winds and heavy snow fall are contributing to these dangerous conditions.