"A group of three backcountry skiers/riders was descending the line. They intentionally ski-cut the upper chute to test the slope, which triggered a wind slab avalanche that released and swept clear part of the upper terrain, carrying one member with it. As the third skier entered the untouched lower section of the slope, the snow fractured above him, producing an 8-14 inch crown. He was caught, carried downslope, briefly buried, and managed to self-arrest by grabbing a tree - though the impact dislocated his shoulder in the process."
"Two riders in a group of three were caught and carried in an avalanche. The group reported ski cutting the upper chute, which triggered a Wind Slab avalanche that cleared part of the slope. When a skier entered the untouched lower slope, it fractured above him with an 8-14" crown. He was caught, carried, briefly buried, and dislocated his shoulder while grabbing a tree."
"While the other two hurried down to assist their injured partner, another rider was caught in a secondary slide (likely a hangfire triggered by their movement). Fortunately, the group handled the injury, regrouped, and safely made their way out of the area. This serves as a stark reminder of how persistent wind slabs can remain reactive - even after initial mitigation - and how quickly situations can escalate in consequential terrain."
On January 10, 2026, a human-triggered wind slab avalanche occurred in Haiyaha Couloir, Rocky Mountain National Park. Three backcountry skiers/riders were descending when they intentionally ski-cut the upper chute to test the slope, which released and cleared part of the upper terrain. A third skier entering the untouched lower slope triggered a fracture with an 8-14″ crown, was carried downslope, briefly buried, and dislocated a shoulder while grabbing a tree to self-arrest. As partners moved to assist, another rider was caught in a secondary slide likely caused by their movement. The group treated the injury, regrouped, and exited safely.
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