Detailed Observation

Date2021-03-21
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2200’/S-Aspect/Obscured/Moderate NW wind/22F. Dug on a S-aspect below tree-line in the meadows above Cathedral View. Found recent storm snow over a series of melt-freeze crusts. Down 100cm identified a suspect layer above the hard melt-freeze crust. This layer resembled a thin grey line and consisted of facets over a hard crust and possibly surface hoar. Within the new snow, extended column test results were easy to moderate ECTN (not propagating). After wailing on the column got a very clean, sudden collapse, propagating failure down 100cm.

    • The message SOUTH IS SUSPECT!!
    • Test results showed significant bridging of the buried weak layer down 100cm, however, structure is still poor and has a lot of stored potential energy.
    • Human trigger of this layer is unlikely unless you hit a thin spot and initiate a failure with catastrophic results.
    • Any avalanche on this deep slab problem would be very large, destructive and deadly.
    • Rapid warming, increased load and strong solar radiation will increase the likelihood of triggering this nasty layer.

Surface winds were swirling snow around causing wind loading and HUGE tree bombs are lingering big enough to do some damage. Be careful out there, don’t ever let your guard down in avalanche country. Think about other potential hazards such as tree-wells, tree bombs, and bear dens. Be ready to let go of your day’s plan if temperatures are seriously spiking, or you have a bad feeling.

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Observed Avalanche Activity