Cornice triggers slab avalanche

This cornice was cut with The BackcountryBomb Tool. The layer of concern here was approx. 16" down and giving clean shears in stability tests. We also performed a Cornice test on this north/northeast facing slope. This three cubic meter cornice released a large slab.

[@dylantyler4163]

Why would this show up in my recommendations 10 years later?

[@morninboy]

Judging from the fresh tracks at the bottom of the slide some people are lucky to be alive

[@missoulaavalanche]

Great video! Thanks for letting us know about this. Pretty sure that is the surface hoar that formed in late January. Still a concern though it is strengthening. We're seeing it all over Western MT on shaded aspects. Worth looking for before committing to anything. Nicely done. Are you using RB cable or small diameter rope to cut the cornice?

[@BackcountryBomb]

The first cornice we dropped was approximately the same size and was facing due north. This video shows the second cornice test which dropped onto the slope as it gently wraps around to face more to the northeast. The layer did exist on both aspects.

[@bosshadowrock]

if you ski backcountry in days like that, you're living on borrowed time.

[@BackcountryBomb]

In Montana, if you don't go into the backcountry on days like this, you won't be going much. I end up skiing meadows less than 30 degrees often. While this is not super Hollywood, it is very enjoyable, safe , and good exercise. I also spend 90% of my backcountry time alone and it has always seemed to me that the mentality of the group can get people into trouble much of the time. Thanks for the comment.

[@AA_OnTheEdge]

noob question: is it safe skiing the terrain that just had avalanche?

[@BackcountryBomb]

It can be. In this situation we skinned up the slide path the later to examine the crown and were feeling pretty good about it. We took an alternate route down because of a weird rollover and came up from the bottom. There have been situations where I have dropped cornices to clear out slabs and followed the slide down. Sometimes there are limited down options and this can be a good way to get down. Thanks

[@salamon1080]

1:29 lol yep!

[@andrewpearson3644]

Hope nobody was wild camping down there 😮

[@BackcountryBomb]

Yeah we scoped it out and we the only ones in the area. This is an issue with cornice bombs, you have to make 100% sure nobody is in the area.:)

[@andrewpearson3644]

@@BackcountryBomb good man 👍

[@heybear7271]

is this how Bryce Newcomb died ? :( tragic

[@BackcountryBomb]

Sounds like it was a cornice fall. Not sure of the particulars but cornices can be very dangerous...careful out there:(

[@heybear7271]

@@BackcountryBomb OHHH this channel is still alive. Thanks for the response.. Very sad ending for Bryce, but still he did what he love before leaving the earth.....You all please take care on your snow journey there...❤

[@mountfairweather]

My grandpa died in avalanche, now I know why rip

[@markabendroth1774]

Strong work, good call

[@manuel.h.739]

wow

[@hucktang]

What aspect was this slope? You mention you tried it on both North and Northestern slopes, same layer persiting in all of them?

[@josephastier7421]

Nice call

[@chestersykes5124]

Now I know why so many innocent people die in avalanches.