Quick report
On my way up the TRT, I observed an avalanche on the Summer Lion Head snowfields. When I arrived at Hermit Lake, I also saw a recent crown line under the Headwall and intense wind texture above it. I am unsure if it is new or if the previously reported avalanche (Feb. 3) was scoured like the upper reaches of the Headwall. The Lip/Sluice area looks to be harboring a very large, obvious wind slab at the moment. As I skinned up towards Hillman's, I noticed some light wind transport above Dodge's and winds felt moderate by Mt. Washington standards. I quickly noticed the skintrack texture change and realized I was travelling over avalanche debris at around 4100'. As I went higher in the runout, I experienced a mix between textured surface, covered debris, and wind buff. I noted a crown line in the climbers' left exit, as well as a very filled in Lower Snowfields under the Duchess. I also heard from folks that there was a large avalanche in the GOS snowfields. We have a good recipe of a weak layers/interfaces, developed and lubricated paths and slabs, and new snow tomorrow into this weekend that could allow for a larger avalanche cycle than we have seen so far this season. This natural cycle serves as a good reminder that our paths reach further down as the season progresses and we should constantly assess where our safe zones are. Outside of the observed avalanches, I did not observe any signs of instability.
Weather
- Cloud Cover
- clear
- Wind Loading
- light
- Recent Snowfall
- 14
- Snow Avail For Transport
- moderate amounts
Clear skies w/ strong NW winds.
Avalanche
- Size
- D2.5
- Type
- HS
- Aspect
- E
- Trigger
- N
- Elevation
- 4800 ft
Hillman's ran over the Berm, likely naturally yesterday afternoon/maybe overnight based on the reloading that has already occurred as of 2pm today.