Quick report
- Cracking
- specific
- Collapsing
- isolated
(Adding more detail since Avy didn’t upload the pictures on the ridge) - The unstable facets were worse on the descent: snowshoes were penetrating ~3”+ each step. - Tree wells and snow immersion was a major hazard today in sheltered areas near trees. - Lower areas had lean snow cover. We saw several open creek holes and observed running water. - Partner accidentally got stuck on descent after getting caught on a tree. He required my assistance because there was zero stability on the downhill side. - Some minor wind boarding was seen along the ridge, but it seemed like it hadn’t been cold enough to settle too much. - South and west aspects of nearby (Ironbear) ridge had notable cornice overhangs starting to form/present. - Weather was balmy up to the ridge line—then the breeze cooled the air considerably (lower sections had tree bomb and melt precip issues; upper sections still had snow on trees).
Avalanche
Isolated Wet Loose avalanches off steep rock faces and rollerball triggered by snowshoe cut