Quick report
We set our intentions on finding low angle snow in open areas, assuming the snow would be heavy and punchy. After one pleasurable and stable feeling descent, we opted for a steeper entrance with a clean run out, and triggered one D1 soft slab avalanche, as well as a few large sloughs. The avalanche problem was not surprising, given the forecast, solid 15 south wind, and recent snow, however the propagation was larger than we anticipated. We feel like we underestimated the recent loading of snow--heavy, heavy snow from 6 AM to 11 AM plus wind added most likely 1'+ of snow to the face. Handpits showed a general lack of cohesion in the new snow, and had no discernible interface layer. No cracking, whumping, etc.
Weather
- Air Temp
- 28
- Cloud Cover
- overcast
- Wind Loading
- moderate
- Rain Elevation
- 4400
- Recent Snowfall
- 15
- Snow Avail For Transport
- large amounts
Avalanche
- Size
- D1 R1
- Type
- SS
- Aspect
- N
- Trigger
- AS
- Elevation
- 6600 ft
Soft slab with sizeable propagation, limited to recent storm snow on N face, 6600', 35*