Detailed Observation

Date2020-01-01
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheY

Avalanche Details

Trigger Foot Penetration Avalanche Type Hard Slab Aspect North
Elevation 3500 Feet Slope Angle 38° Crown Depth 2.5 Feet
Width 175ft Length 100 Feet   
Trigger Foot Penetration
Avalanche Type Hard Slab
Aspect North
Elevation 3500 Feet
Slope Angle 38°
Crown Depth 2.5 Feet
Width 175ft
Length 100 Feet

Observer Comments

HS-D2-R4

Red Flags

Recent Avalanches?   yesCollapsing (Whumphing)?   Cracking (Shooting cracks)?   
Recent Avalanches?   yes
Collapsing (Whumphing)?   
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?   

Weather

Overcast, south winds increasing and moderate. Temperature -2C.

Obvious signs of instability

Saw several natural avalanches on a variety of wind-loaded aspects. Sizes D2-D3. Elevations from 3000-6000ft. Many ran to the ground or to layers near the ground.

Snow Surface

Snowpack

General Observations

Avalanche crown profile at Chuck Creek. Some weak layers of public interest that may be widespread at this elevation in the Pass area: 1) Depth hoar at the ground. 2) Facets above the lower rain crust (about 80cm down but depth depends on wind loading) 3) Buried surface hoar about 15cm deep (less widespread, but still present in areas). Keep an eye out for these persistent weak layers in the Pass area. 

Uploaded Images

Weather Observations

Observed Avalanche Activity