Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Brian Carpenter
Observation Date:
January 9, 2021
Submitted:
January 9, 2021
Zone or Region:
West South
Activity:
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Location:
Sun Top

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Snow coverage started at 3000' but was minimal. Real snow started at 4000'. 120 cm HS at the lookout, but that was one poke with the probe in one spot.

Gusty in exposed areas. Snow in shaded/sheltered areas above 4000' had a few inches of dry stuff on top of various crusts. Snow on solar aspects was radically different, more cohesive, slabby and eroded into sastrugi on surface. Wind slabs on top of Sun Top.

Media

Sastrugi in open areas at 5200'
Snowshoe track through wind slab on solar aspect.
WordPress Lightbox