Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Andrew Kiefer
Observation Date:
December 23, 2020
Submitted:
December 23, 2020
Zone or Region:
West North
Activity:
Snowmobiling/Snowbiking
Location:
Easton Glacier/Baker NRA

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Hard Slab
Size:
Size 3: Could bury and destroy a car, damage a truck, destroy a wood frame house, or break a few trees
Elevation:
7500ft
Aspect:
E
Comments:
Crowns of very large natural slab avalanches (est. D3) on the east face of Seward Peak between 7400-7600ft. The avalanches likely ran during Monday's storm event.
Photo:

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Large to very large slab avalanches released high in the alpine during the storm cycle that ended Monday featuring rain and snow. Avalanche activity tied to these larger slides has subsided. A few inches of low-density snow now sits atop a stout crust (12/21) and avalanche concerns were minimal today in non-wind loaded terrain. Travel conditions are fast and firm. Continuous snow begins near 2500ft with the height of snow 200-250cm/80-100in above 4000ft.

Media

Natural wind slab avalanche (D1) on an east aspect at 6200ft
Rills from heavy rain received on Monday can be found up to at least 5500ft
South side of Mt. Baker

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
10-15cm/4-6in of recent snow redistributed into shallow slabs (F-4F) in lee and cross-loaded alpine features. Observed a few small natural and triggered wind slab avalanches in the past 24 hours on slopes >35 degrees. Avalanches failed within wind drifted snow and slightly deeper on a firm crust (12/21).
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