Cornice Fall Avalanche Ward Canyon

Brief investigation of a cornice fall avalanche that was reported from 12/15/19. 

The ridgeline that extends north from Twin Peaks has many cornices that form on it durning most winters. As of 12/15 these cornices are forming and have reached medium size with prominent overhangs and undercut scarps. Photo 1 shows the ridgeline in this area with one section of cornice visible in the background. Photo 2 is from the area where the cornice collapsed looking down the slide path. From this location we were not able to identify if a wind slab was also triggered by the cornice failure as no obvoius flanks were visible.

We were not able to perform more detailed investigation of the slide path as the terrain is complex and was not appropriate for direct access. Many other cornices exist in this area so we made a travel plan to give them large margins for the remainder of our travel day.