Quick report
I took a short Christmas Eve stroll to view old avalanche debris and assess access in the Middle Fork.
- The December 5-6 Atmospheric River initiated a moderate-sized avalanche cycle on Mt Penrose.
- The lack of snow on the ground during the AR limited the size and extent of the debris.
- Many avalanche paths visible from Skiumah Lake do not have enough snow to produce avalanches.
- There are only 6-8 inches of snow on the ground at the lake.
Weather
- Air Temp
- Below freezing
- Cloud Cover
- clear
- Wind Loading
- light
- Rain Elevation
- 500
- Snow Avail For Transport
- moderate amounts
Avalanche
- Size
- D2.5 R2
- Type
- U
- Aspect
- N
- Trigger
- N
- Elevation
- 7000 ft
These avalanches occurred around 18-19 days ago and are adjacent to each other. The starting zone has been filled in with snow and wind-blown snow, and no crown line was visible. The debris was wet and likely triggered by rain, but it is impossible to tell if the slide was a Persistent Slab.