Quick report
Traveled up the valley in an unexpected skin track that went left of the waterfall and later joined the out track. I would not recommend that path as it required a steep climb/boot pack. Continued above Source Lake up the apron with fog and clouds. Intermittent sun breaks with noticeable warm temps in the basin. Hand pits and skin track testing was indicating a bond between heavy wet new snow and old snow interface. After reaching the divide continued to Chair basin/Thumbtack. Signs of instability with collapsing ski track in steeper or unsupported aspects. In Chair basin, signs of natural activity and small wet loose release with downhill skiing and hard turns. Small wet loose was prevalent on the way down with minimal entrainment or momentum. Upon reaching Snow Lake divide traverse observed large D1.5D2 slide path and debris fan on Chair Peak apron. We cautiously ski through debris. Upon reaching Source Lake, discussed observations, and options. Decided skiing out and calling it a day was the best bet.
Avalanche
- Size
- D1.5
- Type
- WL
- Aspect
- E
- Trigger
- N
- Elevation
- 4500 ft
Large wet loose avalanche on Chair Peak apron above Source Lake. Unclear if natural or skier triggered. Originated in the funnel at the apex of the apron. Entrained new wet snow in two separate slide paths. One lockers right into the waterfall gulley and a second on lockers left side of apron.