3 Feb 2012

A very reactive slab, its an older picture, but you may throw a ski cut in this slope if the conditions are right and you find yourself here!

We were skiing the glades on the E side of Needle Peak’s north ridge (back in 2006).  All the conditions were right for a slide (40cm new snow, wind, etc).  As I came over the roll at the top of this little pitch I checked up just a bit knowing it was a steep break over.  That little check-up saved me, as the slab broke away just behind me and I was able to hold my position as it whooshed down into the trees.  If I had bombed over the roll I would have been right in the middle of the slab and would have had a nasty ride into the trees.  Got a bit complacent that day but was able to dodge a bullet…..  

Please keep sending me your stories and pictures, everyone can learn from other peoples experiences.
At 2280 meters the temperature is -1, winds are 10-15 KPH from the SSE. At 1550 meters the temperature is +1.5, relative humidity is at 95 %, and the barometer is on a slight decline. No new snow and sunny skies are here. In the valley it is 0.

For the updated Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory

For an interesting story from Mt. Baker of someone lost click here: Lost