Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Jeff HambeltonObservation Date:
April 17, 2023Submitted:
April 17, 2023Zone or Region:
West NorthActivity:
Snowmobiling/SnowbikingLocation:
Canyon Creek, Bearpaw zoneTriggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
NoAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
5500'Aspect:
NEComments:
Several Wind Slab avalanches triggered on N, NE and NW slopes near treeline today, on both sleds and snowboards. A photo of one observation is included below. In this instance, the shallow wind slab was triggered from the edge, propagating across the convexity and running to mid slope.Observed Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Hard SlabSize:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a personElevation:
5500'Aspect:
NComments:
A previous size 2.5-3 avalanche observed on a north aspect slope on across a valley. Likely occurred early in the previous loading cycle. Believed to initiate near the rock bands at the top of the path. Avalanche ran full path, into the timber at the runout. See second photo.Signs of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
Yes, WidespreadDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
NoObservations
We found reactive wind slabs in numerous locations across the zone. Winds were active today, blowing early from the SE and the E and NE later in the day. Blowing snow and active loading was observed, filling in tracks and scouring ridgetops. The most affected terrain was near treeline and above, where convexities were found to be setting up mid-slope loading patterns. Temps were cool, but radiation was felt and observed.
We managed terrain with tighter margins than usual, and sought lower angle terrain sheltered from the wind affect for the best snow.
Media
