Observation: Public

Observation Details

Triggered Avalanches

Observed Avalanches

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Today's snowpack was different from other places I've been lately, but I haven't been spending a ton of time in the Snoqualmie Pass zone lately, so, the observations are a bit one-off.
Snow line was around 3k'. The snow was shallow at first and icy, but grew in depth (HS <6"). It was still pretty icy, despite the depth. The snow under treeline and rain shadows was extremely stout when we used snowshoes, but it was a bit punchy when we were booting it (boot pen was 6"~1'). Lots of boulders were exposed below 4.6k'. We used caution when traversing from 3.6k' to the lower tarn and cross the tarn outlet because there were sizable gaps between the boulders that we could have fallen into. Above 4.6k' the snow transitioned into drier storm snow, with a soft sun crust and increased in depth. Getting up steeper slopes was more difficult due to the sluffing and lack of stability/consolidation, but with some effort we built some steps and shelves to traverse up the ridge. Observed limited/localized wet loose conditions (marble sized rollerballs), but otherwise, didn't see anything that really pointed to wet loose conditions--likely because of the frigid temperatures (it felt like it was somewhere in the upper 10s or low to mid 20s). Coming down we didn't see any real instability once we punctured the top crust: it was powder all the way down. Really fun and nice conditions for a steep/aggressive descent in snowshoes :). When we got back to the tarn, the sun had set enough that the snow was starting to refreeze considerably. It was a bit challenging traversing back to the NW ridge, but I could make shelves with the [dull] crampons on the side of my MSR Lightning Ascents. There was a fair bit of surface hoar near the summit, but the crystals weren't that large (that will probably change a bit after tonight with the clear skies). Got a great view of the surrounding mountains--from Snoqualmie Pass all the way up to Marblemount and sections of the east Glacier Peak Wilderness area. We didn't have a telephoto lens, but I couldn't see any obvious signs of recent avalanches with my naked eye. Enough snow was lingering on the trees and steep slopes that I wouldn't want to attempt heading up to Price again if it warms considerably up in the near future though. The conditions were prime for this time of year.