Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Matt CrislerObservation Date:
January 31, 2021Submitted:
January 31, 2021Zone or Region:
West SouthActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Mount Rainier - Paradise, Mazama Ridge, Golden GatesTriggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
NoAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
5800Aspect:
NEComments:
Very small wind slab on NE facing slope in Mazama bowlObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Wet LooseSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
5000-5500'Aspect:
SComments:
Some fairly widespread, but relatively small wet loose activity from exposed rocky slopes SW-SE aspectsSigns of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
Toured mostly southerly aspects near and below treeline digging occasionally to observe layers around the 1/13 crust. Found some evidence of facets above the 1/13, but these appeared to be rounding fairly significantly and no signs of instability were observed through the day. An ECT on a SE slope at 5800' where these grains were observed showed the layer was unreactive (ECTX); however, hand shears in multiple locations did fail on this layer or occasionally less prominent crusts above it.
Winds through most of the day were light, but picked up occasionally to show signs of transport, and were building toward mid-afternoon with consistent snow transport observed at the entrance to Golden Gates and higher into the alpine.
Media
