Big Slides

A large avalanche cycle occurred overnight. Avalanches up to size 3.5 were observed, primarily on lee (north-facing) aspects. While the snowpack continues to grow in complexity, this cycle simplifies our messaging and terrain choices. We are avoiding avalanche terrain until the cycle has fully run its course. Approximately 40 cm of snow fell between Friday and Tuesday, with an additional 10 cm overnight Tuesday. This new snow is rapidly settling under warm temperatures. Avalanches are initiating in wind slabs and stepping down to the December 27 faceted/depth hoar layer. In the case of the size 3.5 avalanche on Big Kahuna, the slide gained sufficient mass to break 60 cm of ice on Bryant Lake. Along the shoreline, lake ice has been pushed downward, and floodwater has saturated the surface snow.