We left town around 6:30 AM - prior to the issuance of the day's forecast, but we knew we would be dealing with a foot or more of new snow.

This soft slab pulled out on a NE facing slope at around 8800 feet. Triggered by a snowboarder who was caught and carried about 100 feet across a band of rocks and managed to stay on top of debris. Crown ranged from 12 to 18 inches breaking on a smooth sun crust beneath the new snow. The rider entered the top corner of this wind-loaded slope headed toward a less aggressive line. His one turn was enough to cause this slab to break and he was sucked into the path and dragged downslope 100 feet or so.

"Yeah it was a little nerve racking.. mainly because the rider was on a powdersurf board without bindings..." "I didn't get any footage, I was right next to my camera when it happened but I was more concerned with keeping a close eye on my friend who was sliding down a rock band on his ass with his goggles packed with snow and his leash wrapped around his neck.... this could have been ugly."

Lucky outcome here...... No injuries reported and rider stayed on top of debris.

Here's my Bottom Line for Saturday Morning, (3-27-10)

There is MODERATE (2) danger at upper and mid elevations in the backcountry. You could trigger wind slab avalanches 1 to 2 feet deep in exposed terrain, especially near ridge-tops and in and around terrain features like cliff bands, sub ridges, and gullies. Solar heating could rapidly cause a heightened danger of loose wet avalanches entraining significant moist fresh snow on steep slopes exposed to prolonged direct sun. I’ve included pockets of CONSIDERABLE (3) danger in today’s rose since triggered avalanches are probable in some areas, although they should be fairly predictable and mostly manageable.

Evaluate the snow and terrain carefully and continue to follow safe travel protocols...