Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Peter SundbergObservation Date:
December 22, 2020Submitted:
December 22, 2020Zone or Region:
West NorthActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Mt Baker, Chain lakesObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Dry Loose (Sluff)Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
5400'Aspect:
SComments:
Observed numerous natural point releases from below cliff bands on S through SW aspects at 12:00 PM. These occurred on 30 - 35 degree slopes and ran for several hundred yards, slowly fanning out and accumulating more snow as they traveled. These sluffs lacked energy and cohesion to form slabs and occurred only in the new snow 4" - 6" in depth.Photo:
Signs of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
Dug a pit on a SW aspect at 5000' performed and ECT and found stubborn failure below the rain crust from 12/21 but no shearing or propagation
On East aspects found evidence of wind transport with snow depth above the 12/21 rain crust ranging from 0" - 12".
Ski conditions were variable with significant rain runnels found at all elevations (skied up to 5900'). The rain seems to have percolated well through the upper portions of the snowpack and seems to have caused some bonding to lower layers. The new snow from 12/21 - 12/22 is loose and provides little support or cohesion above the significant 12/21 rain crust.