Detailed Observation

Date2021-01-29
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 3500’/NE-Aspect/Overcast/Calm/17F/HS 265cm. Above 1500′ overnight snowfall total was 10cm on top of either 1) last weekend’s 10cm 2) this week’s wind packed snow, or 3) rime crust at the ridge. Below 2500′ there was a crust combo from MLK day with a thin hard ice crust 20-60cm down, 5cm of 4F snow, and another thin ice crust underneath. With that sandwiched snow between the crust and the cold temperature gradient, the layers were presumably faceting and getting weaker. NW-aspects between 2500′ – 3000′ looked suspect and slightly loaded. Adjusted our route selection to avoid traveling directly below those slopes. New snow has covered wind loading clues. Beware of deep tree-wells see photo.

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Weather Observations

Observed Avalanche Activity