Detailed Observation

Date2021-01-01
LocationValdez
ObserverGareth Brown
AvalancheN

General Observations

1/1 Crudbusters up to 5600′ NW-N aspects.  Clear/Calm, light ridge top wind, no snow transport/ 0-5°F.

Shooting Cracks: No

Collapsing:No

Avalanches: Yes, Observed a full depth D3 natural avalanche that released mid slope ~5000′ on a NW aspect,~150 yards wide, max crown depth ~3 meters.  Debris was covered by new snow, likely failed during the last large snowfall event 12/23.  

Found stable snow conditions throughout the day skiing slopes up to 45° without signs of instability.  NW ramps had pockets of thin windslab (1-2inches) mixed with powder.  Thin windslabs were not reactive.  The most notable thing we found was widespread surface hoar up to 1 cm on the front face of Crud from 2500′ to ridgeline.  Photos of Surface hoar 4000′ N aspect and Natural D3 avalanche described above.

Uploaded Images

Weather Observations

Observed Avalanche Activity