Quick report
- Cracking
- isolated
- Collapsing
- isolated
We observed short shooting cracks (2-3 feet from ski tips) on steep rolls near and below treeline on north through east aspects. Cracks appeared to be in wind drifted snow based on higher density and wavy surface texture. We also noticed top 4-6 in of wind drifted, denser snow above 8-12 in of softer unconsolidated snow in several hand shear tests in open glades below treeline and on ridgetops. This top 4-6 in of denser, wind drifted snow easily slide off the unconsolidated snow below indicating the most recent snow (from a windy Friday night) was poorly bonded to the snow that fell earlier. After intentionally triggering a small windslab on east peak, we moved down into more sheltered treed areas. We ski cut several more small steep rolls in the trees but were unable to get anything to slide. Not seeing any more signs of significant slabs in the trees, we moved into some steeper glades. Great turns were had in 12+ in of medium density snow over the course of several runs, only occasionally coming in contact with the most recent rain rust. On the final run, we made the decision to drop a small cliff onto a steep north facing slope and unintentionally triggered a storm slab that ran on the most recent rain crust. This was a bit of a surprise as we had not seen any reactivity on the rain crust layer up to this point. In hindsight, we should have considered that this slope was well protected and north facing, meaning it could have harbored some surface hoar from the last cold clear weather cycle. Weather was mostly sunny in the morning with light wind and good visibility when we started our tour around 10 am. Clouds slowly moved in throughout the day, wind speeds picked up a bit, and light snow began falling around 1-2 pm. Temperatures remained below freezing as snow was dry throughout the day. Huge flakes were falling down to 5100 feet at 3 Creek lakes trailhead when we headed home around 3 pm. Overall it was a great day to be out with some fantastic snow and some good learning.
Avalanche
- Size
- D1
- Count
- 2
- Aspect
- N
- Trigger
- AR
- Elevation
- 7300 ft
Intentionally triggered D1 windslab on East Peak via ski cut and unintentionally trigger D1 stormslab via small drop off cliff. See avalanches and field note sections for details.