Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Zack McGill
Observation Date:
December 17, 2020
Submitted:
December 17, 2020
Zone or Region:
West North
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Boulderfield/East Gully

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Isolated
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
No

Observations

Good visibility and some sun breaks throughout today allowed us to preview the entirety of Bagley Basin. No natural or skier triggered avalanches observed, but definitely signs of wind loading. Hand shears throughout the day on all aspects were consistently breaking 30-45cms down, but very hard to pull out. Not much for ski test results. Very stubborn. We kicked out a few small pockets of wind slab on short, steep convex rolls to 40 degrees, but nothing else moving today. We stayed out of the steep unsupported terrain over 35 degrees, however. Riding was phenomenal on all aspects today.

Media

Bagley Basin from partway up the Boulderfield @ 5,200’.
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