Firebrand Pass

Quick report

Early bird get the... mashed potatoes? We went east today, seeing the mid 20s temperature readings at Maria's Pass overnight in hopes of a refreeze. What we found was a surprising mix of conditions. Low elevation tress had insulated yesterday's warm snow, meaning soft skinning conditions to start. We were pleasantly surprised to find much more supportable refreeze conditions when the terrain opened above tree line. We found a mix of wind board and even some powder stashes on northern aspects. We noted several small point releases from yesterday's warmup on all aspects, but nothing larger than D1. One crown from a hard slab that failed >2-3 days ago (judging by the decomposing debris) on a rocky E facing aspect was spotted near Lena Lake. Despite the sun and paltry temps, we felt comfortable skiing steep south facing terrain in soft conditions and were back to car by 1315.

Avalanche

Size

D2.5 R2

Type

HS

Aspect

NE

Trigger

NC

Elevation

7600 ft

Crown visible a few meters below cornice - slab possibly triggered by cornice fall. Not that deep. Ran over rocks. Larger, thicker crown visible below that extended into gullies on either side of rocks.