Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Late-morn to late-afternoon ski tour to top of Hogsback, over to Illumination Saddle (not direct via Coalman Glacier tho due to Hot Rocks old glide slide/meltout) and down to Silcox Hut via Upper, Lower and Little Zigzag Glacier. Will include pics, but generally speaking very efficient and enjoyable travel conditions (up and down) on a bluebird day (high clouds filtered sun for a couple hours early-mid afternoon) w minimal wind, no signs of avy activity and only once heard rockfall despite three mid-afternoon hours in the Devils Kitchen vicinity. DK Glide Crack partially filled in. Team I leapfrogged w all day even dug a quick pit on ascent to Hogsback and were satisfied enough w findings to continue leapfrogging w me up to the top of Hogsback despite no traction or self-arresting gear. Despite lack of major indicators and confidence I likely had sufficient gear (no ice tools beyond whippet and aluminum crampons) to summit (if slowly), lateness of the day, special avy advisory, no belay protection, first time up PG and uncertainty about wind-loaded Old Chute ski descent made me decide to play it safe rather than risk the very exposed traverse to Pearly Gates start and enjoy spectacularly-softened conditions on Zigzag (after still icy/choppy traverse under Crater Rock). After listening to forecaster q&a on drive home (thx for that great service, NWAC), looking forward to many more days of that PNW volcano corn in the weeks ahead.