Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Russell WObservation Date:
February 5, 2023Submitted:
February 5, 2023Zone or Region:
West SouthActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Tatoosh just E of The CastleTriggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
NoAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
6135ftAspect:
NEComments:
Shallow soft avalanche in wind affected storm slab that propagated very widely. Was up near the ridgeline (130 ft down from the ridge) mostly above treeline. Trigger about 20ft below convex entrance to broad steep slope. Slab was 3in thick and ran on a firm but not smooth crust. Cracks shot out laterally from the trigger and ran 500 to 600 feet wide in total (majority of the little basin). That entire width ran downhill about 300 feet to where the grade mellowed some. Total volume and force of snow was still just D1 and did not step down at all.Observed Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Wet LooseSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
Approx 5500ftAspect:
NEComments:
On approach saw a small natural slide off a very steep slope during a partial sun break. Did not propagate laterally. Was just below treeline and not wind affected.Signs of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
Both photos are of the same triggered slide. One looking skiers right the other looking skiers left. In the photo with the skier in frame... the slide stopped just short of the small trees on the left edge of the photo.
Also have a video of the slide that can be shared. Just email me.
Media
