Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Attempted to summit St Helens Yesterday along Worm Flows route (S. facing Aspect) 1/27. Immediately knew it was going to be a difficult task as we broke trail the entire way. SE winds rapidly transported new snow Tuesday night and formed sensitive wind slabs on lee slopes on worm flow route. Wind slabs up to 1 1/2 feet deep had built up on the icy crust that everyone is aware of. We were able to travel up to about 6k ft, avoiding steeper slopes. Eventually the wind slabs had formed slopes great enough that we didn't feel comfortable traveling up hill anymore. Snow was getting heavier and failure in the snow would lead to very dangerous slides as Worm Flows route is lined with terrain traps.