Deceptive avalanche conditions linger after storms
By Benjamin Spillman, Reno Gazette-Journal
When Marlin Lathrop went backcountry skiing on Sunday near South Lake Tahoe he could expect great snow and even better views.
Knowing recent storms that delivered fluffy, hip-deep powder also increased the risk of avalanches Lathrop said he picked a line he thought would be safe.
That’s why Lathrop said he didn’t expect to find a massive debris field from a recent avalanche he estimated was about 200 feet across with a four-foot crown.
The Sierra Avalanche Center also reported an unusual propensity for large, deep slab avalanches with enough energy to destroy trees and houses.
