Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Erin ReynoldsObservation Date:
January 2, 2023Submitted:
January 3, 2023Zone or Region:
Stevens PassActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Rock MountainTriggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
NoAvalanche Type:
Hard SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
5700Aspect:
NEComments:
See photo. Did not fully release but saw shooting cracks on recently wind loaded snow with wind slab formation.Signs of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
Yes, IsolatedDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
NoObservations
Partly sunny day. Had some limited views of Rock Mtn and Howard with fast moving clouds. Observed strong, cold winds out the E with significant snow transport above treeline. At treeline noticed wind stiffened snow and triggered snow wind slab avalanche (see photo). Mostly skied below treeline where snow was soft and protected. Around 1-2 PM winds were strong enough that trees were swaying and tree bombs releasing. 4K and below had a mostly supportable crust that made for an interesting exit.
Given conditions, did not advance past 5800.
PSA: while out, a large tractor put 2 tire track divots a few feet deep on FS Road 65 (Little Wenatchee). Had to sidehill out the length of the road. Hopefully new snow will help fill this in, but would make a challenging sled ride.
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