Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
BK, EA & ARObservation Date:
February 18, 2022Submitted:
February 18, 2022Zone or Region:
Stevens PassActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
LichtenbergObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Wet LooseSize:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a personElevation:
5800-6000Aspect:
SComments:
South face of Jove Peak had a few wet loose slides that were narrow but ran most of the open slopeSigns of Unstable Snow
Observations
We experienced a wide variety of conditions as we toured the lichtenberg area. Solar aspects received significant sunshine throughout most of the day. We observed pinwheels and small debris as we ascended. The firm conditions made the ascent quick while new snow depth on supportable crust increased slightly as we gained elevation. A few in our group experienced glopping on skins and skis at various points. A quick application of glide wax remedied the issue. The wind sheltered northern aspects held much higher quality snow than the southern aspects.
The winds across the ridgeline were quite gusty. Nearly all of the new snow we encountered was of the warm, wet variety. Most of the snow seemed well bonded to the old snow surface. We did experience limited sloughing on steeper aspects. We observed wind drifting of the new snow though limited wind transport while we were out. With cooler temps approaching the recent snow may cause travel to be more challenging.