Detailed Observation
Date | 2022-02-20 |
Location | Valdez |
Observer | Gareth Brown |
Avalanche | N |
General Observations
2/20 – Stuart Creek/ Three Pigs area up to 3800’/ SCT/ Light wind/ No snow transport
Shooting Cracks: No
Collapsing: No
Avalanches: Yes, Several very large D3 hard slab avalanches were seen on a variety of aspects. These avalanches failed in the last few days, near the ground on the November facets.
At low elevations found a stout melt/ freeze crust up to about ~2000’. Above that found a foot of unconsolidated snow with no wind affect. Dug pits in two locations to get a look at snowpack structure and how sensitive the November facets are. Pit locations were at 2500’ on an east aspect and 3800’ on a northeast aspect. Snowpack heights were 152 and 180 cms (5-6 feet). Both snow pits showed very poor structure with very weak snow at the bottom. Pit results produced propagation at the ground in both locations. At 2500’: ECTP24 down 150 cms. At 3700’: PST 45/135 (END) down 135cms.
Pit profiles attached.
Did not ski or travel on slopes steeper than 30°.