Quick report
Bottom 1000 ft of the Phantom were thin and probably going out soon. We booted that part, becoming friendly with the trees, until there was enough snow to skin. Snow was crunchy and grippy on the up and travel was much faster from there. Any snow out of the trees had a light sun crust on it. Above 5k (where it opens up), snow was deep - maybe 20-25 in new snow? In general it all felt quite stable, no cracking or other instabilities as we made our way up. Light wind affect on the surface just below the summit of Snoqualmie, but nothing slabby. Found some very nice snow in the Slot (after 2-3 crusty but edgeable turns), although did need to manage some surface sluff. Thunder Basin was roller ball city from yesterday, but with the clouds keeping the sun at bay, not too much activity coming down from the cliffs. Solar aspect on the front side was schmoo by noon. Lots of tree bombs and snow raining on us on the way out.
Avalanche
- Size
- D2
- Type
- WL
- Aspect
- S
- Trigger
- N
- Elevation
- 5100 ft
Likely occurred yesterday, as we saw it on the way up around 9