14 March 08

Two days after this non-fatal avalanche incident the wind in the alpine were very strong and another massive wind slab/pillow was formed on the popular Tsugaike Norikura Dake bowl.  We turned back on the day of the wind and turned back again on the day this photo was taken.  Others didn't.  They chose to ascend directly below the wind loaded convex.  There are two ascent tracks in the bowl, both are dangerous. That slab is so big it casts its own shadow! I wouldn't be confident at all in my trust that no one would begin their ascent by riding over the convex, onto the slab... directly above the skin track.  This trigger is primed for the weekend opener of the Tsugaike "backcountry" mania. I hope it is managed accordingly.