General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2500'/N-aspect/overcast/15F/light winds. Temperatures were cold and surface snow is faceting! Light 2" of fresh deposits with a non-persistent interface down 8-10" extended column test result ECTN18. Observed wind slab at treeline with a few shear results in the upper 1-2' of snowpack. Wind slab was easiest to identify when stepping from powder onto a slab and feeling the density change. Underlying terrain (trees, rocks, cliffs) and slope angle are the most critical factors to how easy it would be to trigger one of these wind slabs. Look for suspect pockets and textured snowpack. Dug down 6' without finding any other significant interfaces. Still wondering how early season melt-freeze crusts have bonded below that depth. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic, it's easy to want to escape outdoors but remember critical infrastructure (emergency response, first responders, hospitals) are overwhelmed by non-backcountry related illness and injuries. Now is an especially good time to practice risk-management and implement additional safety buffers to your trip planning and route selection.  

Submit your observations! We need more observations to keep the public informed. If you have been snowmachining, backcountry touring, hiking, snowshoeing, or have any information, avalanche or non-avalanche related (good stability, soft snow, wind effect, freezing temps, surface hoar) are all vital to helping our community stay safe and ensuring best practices. 

Snowpack lower down in the trees is icy and dangerous! We had a minor injury and were able to self-evac without any greater assistance. Make sure you have first aid, emergency layers, extra food and water, and a communication device. Leave a trip plan with someone you trust and slow it down, take extra caution during this global health crisis.