Public Observation - South Fork Dickey Creek

Toured up the South Fork of Dickey Creek.  A freezing rain/fog was present while driving to the trailhead.  Followed the same aspect as the climbers trail that goes up to saddle above Almeda Lake.   An ice crust was present from the valley floor up to max elevation gained (~7,100ft) about 0.5cm in thickness (see video).  Snowpack was stable with the exception of some areas with evident wind loading.  Triggered two wind slab slides.  The first was by the lead skier and when the second skier approached the slide area from above, another slab broke free from above him and caused him to fall.  He was not hurt nor carried down the slope.  The slide was roughly 30-45 feet in width and carried about 200 feet in length with a crown depth of ~6 inches.  First skier was not aware of slide.  The second wind slab slide occurred as the second skier approached the first skier who was stopped, roughly 500 feet quartering down from the first slide (see photo of slide).  This small wind slab slide was roughly 15-20 feet in width and carried about 60 feet.  Neither skier was affected by this slab slide.