We’re well into meteorological summer (started June 1st), and the start of astronomical summer is less than a week away (June 21st), but there’s still plenty of snow-covered peaks across North America. Avalanches are still very possible on these snow-covered mountains, as this clip shared by Erik Braun and reposted by Avalanche Canada demonstrates.
Erik explained in the video description that he captured this slide while flying a sightseeing tour. Four climbers triggered it on the North Face of Mt. Garibaldi, a glacier-capped stratovolcano that reaches up to 8,786 feet. The avalanche was pretty large, ripping over large open crevasses, an icefall, and cliffs. Fortunately it seems none of the climbers were touched by the slide.
Based on the crown depth, debris carried, and the distance it was carried, Erik believes this slide could be considered a size 3. According to Avalanche Canada, slides of this size can bury or damage a car, damage a truck, destroy a small building, or break a few trees. The video serves as a reminder that avalanche conditions are still possible, and that the switch in weather conditions from colder to warmer tends to have a destabilizing effect on the snowpack.
Those traveling in the backcountry should only do so if they have a proper understanding and education surrounding avalanche safety, or if they’re with a guide. Always plan for changing conditions when you’re heading out onto snow, glaciers, or really anywhere in the mountains.
