Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Craig - avalanche professionalObservation Date:
March 23, 2023Submitted:
March 23, 2023Zone or Region:
West NorthActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
baker backcountryTriggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
4800’Aspect:
NWComments:
Widespread pockets of shallow (2-4”), and narrow (5-10’) reactive windslabs.Observed Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
4800’Aspect:
NWComments:
Signs of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
Yes, WidespreadDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
NoObservations
We observed all aspects between 4200-5500’. sky was obscured most of the day. consistently strong winds with extreme gusts were erratic, often out of the NE despite the forecasted SW winds also picked up by snotel. The little snow that was available for movement in the AM was blowing intensely, leaving a mixed bag of scoured crusts and small, shallow pockets of windslab. Until early afternoon, there simply wasn’t enough snow to build consequential wind slabs in terrain we observed - although I’m sure they’re out there. Small test slopes and cornices were reactive and produced shooting cracks but were unremarkable in scale. Rate of snow picked up in the afternoon followed by decreased winds.
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