Quick report
- Cracking
- specific
Spotted a deep looking avalanche just east of Two Ocean Mountain from the parking lot at the top of the pass. This persistent slab avalanche is 3.5-4' deep. It failed on 2-3mm facets at the Jan 4th interface and broke about 400' wide. The debris pile was easily 5-10 feet deep in places. Slope angle ranged from 35-40 degrees. Likely ran early in the morning on 3/2 as there was 3-4" of new snow on the bed surface/debris. It most likely ran naturally during a period of intense loading overnight, however, there were snow machines in the area so it could have been remotely triggered. No tracks in or out of the debris.
This dangerous avalanche is evidence that a generally weak snowpack in the Togwotee Pass area has been severely stressed by the intense snowfall over the past few days. Steep slopes, even in the trees, should be avoided for the next few days as the snowpack adjusts to the load.
New snow instability limited to wind affected areas and very steep sheltered terrain. No significant collapsing or cracking noticed on the approach. Snow is "right side up."Weather
- Air Temp
- 27
- Cloud Cover
- overcast
- Wind Loading
- moderate
- Recent Snowfall
- 12"
- Snow Avail For Transport
- moderate amounts
Pulses of moderate to heavy snowfall in the afternoon. Moderate winds out of the south.
Avalanche
- Size
- D2.5 R4
- Type
- HS
- Aspect
- N
- Elevation
- 9700 ft
3.5-4' deep persistent slab avalanche. Faied on 2-3mm facets at the Jan 4th interface. Broke about 400' wide. Debris pile was easily 5-10 feet deep in places. Slope angle ranged from 35-40 degrees. Likely ran early in the morning on 3/2 as there was 3-4" of new snow on the bed surface/debris.