Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Frank R ClementsObservation Date:
December 1, 2022Submitted:
December 1, 2022Zone or Region:
East NorthActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Portly BasinObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a personElevation:
7000 approxAspect:
NComments:
Observed soft slab crown fracture at head of Hairpin Valley from our vantage point on climb into Portly Basin. Originated in one of the avalanche feeder chutes that flow into the head of Hairpin Valley as well as multiple point release sluffs from rock and cliff bands in Blue Lake/Liberty bowl environs.Signs of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
NoDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
Yes, IsolatedObservations
Skied Portly Basin today. Approx. 18" of new snow. Clear and sunny with temps in low teens to low 20's as day progressed. Light and variable winds. While traveling across meadow by creek at the base of the climb, I triggered a pronounced whumph that was strong enough to release snow from adjacent trees. Observed cracks along creek where we crossed. Party of 4 traveling ahead of us reported a whumph in that location as well. Climb into basin to peak was unremarkable and solar exposure was not strong enough to cause any problems. Cornice formation from previous storm/wind cycle produced considerable size increase from last week. Still able to push ski pole to ground on lower third of slope, but snow was denser and deeper above that. No observed sluffs or problems on descent, with good ski conditions. Coverage has improved considerably in that area.