Hyak Avalanched Today!!

Look how jagged the crown face is; it's not neat at all, which leads me to think it's a geo thing, not snow. Admittedly, it's not a great pic, so maybe it's neater than it looks. Of course, I'm only a geotechnical engineer on the internet, so...

www.flickr.com/photos/hyak/3177666905/si...t-72157606217542480/

The news reports indicate this is a landslide. As a hydrogeologist/geotechnical engineer I tend to believe this is probably true. Based on the quantity of mud and the complete loss of surficial soil and ground cover it looks like a landslide. I'm sure we'll get some clarification over the next day or so.

Re the tech message, I really needed a laugh, Lowell.  Thanks!

And the march towards extinction for the Riblet double chair species continues. Sad, but maybe someone has the ultimate tool kit and can repair it!

Sorry for the loss of homes.

Does anyone know how much grooming took place on that slope if any?

Lots, though last Friday it wasn't groomed below the lowest switchback in the cat track. Not sure why.

As for landslide or avalanche, I hope it is whichever is covered by those unfortunate locals' home owners insurance.

When was that chair slated for removal/replacement?
Hopefully they'll push the Hyak upgrades to the front of the line now.

As for the homeowners ... the mud did come from the ski area, hard to argue against that.