Quick report
- Slope Angle
- 38°
Avalanche
- Slab Width
- 15 m
- Weak Layer
- Density Change
- Trigger Type
- Natural
- Vertical Fall
- 122 m
- Avalanche Type
- Soft Slab
- Slab Thickness
- 20 cm
- Start Zone Aspect
- Southeast
- Avalanche Problem
- New Snow
- Start Zone Elevation
- 3018 m
Avalanche Observation:
Several natural avalanches were observed in the steep, rocky SE-facing terrain adjacent to Twin Lakes Pass E.
- The avalanches initiated as dry loose snow at rock bands but propagated into shallow soft slabs lower down on the slope.
- These natural avalanches ran on the density change within the new snow, with the largest crown observed ~12-14" in depth on cross-loaded slopes.
- Short sun breaks corresponded with active loose dry snow continuing to run on this slope during the day.
General Snowpack/Wx Observation:
Excellent skiing/riding conditions on all aspects and elevations traveled today (SW-W-N-E, 8700' - 10,400').
- In exposed, wind-affected terrain we observed very soft slabs that were easy to release with our skis, which behaved closer to dry loose snow that slowly ran on the density change in the new snow, 4" down at the graupel.
- Otherwise, no shooting cracks or collapsing were observed.
- Around 0900 the graupel transitioned to new snow (stellars/dendrites) with moderate to times of heavy snowfall rates observed throughout the day.