Avalanche

Boot Spurr Snowfields

Jake AcitoPresidential Range
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Observation photo 1Observation photo 2

Quick report

Cracking
isolated

We observed widespread loading with variability in slab characteristics. The new loading was largely an uncohesive mix of sleet and graupel. The main concerns were slabs formed in previous days. We found these characteristics in larger, open pieces of terrain with some reactive hand shears. We observed a small (D1) avalanche upon entering the snowfields. There were tracks through part of it, but we believe it may have occurred naturally from higher up under the buttress. The new precipitation was falling mainly as graupel and sleet and largely uncohesive, but more open areas seemed to harbor wind slabs from previous loading. Near the top of our route, we had a shooting crack near some trees that convinced us to downclimb before transitioning to ski down.

Weather

Air Temp
N/O
Cloud Cover
obscured
Wind Loading
previous
Recent Snowfall
7
Snow Avail For Transport
moderate amounts

Precipitation was mainly a mix of sleet and graupel, falling heavier at times. Winds were transporting snow from above rock buttresses into the upper reaches of the snowfields.

Avalanche

Size
D2 R2
Type
SS
Count
2
Aspect
E
Trigger
AS
Elevation
4300 ft

Both avalanches were soft slabs and believed to have been formed from previous loading.