Detailed Observation

Date2022-02-19
LocationValdez
ObserverGareth Brown
AvalancheN

General Observations

2/19 Cracked Ice up to 4000’ / Clear / Calm / NW-N aspects

Shooting Cracks: No

Collapsing: No

Avalanches: Yes, several very large “D2-D3” natural hard slab avalanches were observed on west and north aspects of Cracked Ice and northeast aspects of Python.

Found surface hoar growing up to 2mms atop 30 cms of unconsolidated snow.  Surface snow had little to no wind affect in the areas that we travelled.  

In a pit at 3400’/NW aspect found the 1/24 facet crust to have propagation on an extended column test when overloaded- ECTP30+ down 140 cms.  The November facets were buried 230 cms and were not reactive on a ECT.  Snowpack height was 280 cms.

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Weather Observations

Observed Avalanche Activity