Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Andrew KieferObservation Date:
February 16, 2021Submitted:
February 16, 2021Zone or Region:
West NorthActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Baker Lake: Blue Lake/ Dock ButteObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
below treelineAspect:
Comments:
Observed several natural D1 storm slabs and one D2 that ran in the past 24-36 hours on all aspects below treeline (did not observe NTL or ATL). Slabs were 20-60cm thick and ran on the February 13 old/new snow interface and on inter-storm layers.Signs of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
Yes, WidespreadDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
Yes, IsolatedObservations
Traveled from 1100ft to 3800ft from Baker Lake road close to Blue Lake/Dock Butte trailhead. Shooting cracks were widespread and one test slope collapsed with the weight of a skier. Several hand shears failed on isolation on the February 13 interface, ↓40cm on average. Column tests (west aspect, 3700ft, HS 340cm) also failed on this layer with sudden planar and propagating fractures (CT11 SP, ECTP12 x2). The storm slab problem generally presented as a 40cm slab of slightly heavier, dense snow (F-4F) on a lighter, less dense layer (February 13 interface, F hard, PP/DF). Avoided travel on or below large open slopes 35 degrees and steeper. Turned around on FS road #1230 at 3800ft with hangfire above on steep southerly slopes adjacent to several recent natural crowns. A slab had fractured and arrested on a large portion of the slope below the road as well. Tree well and deep snow hazards were present. Crews groomed up to 3000ft on the Blue Lakes side and up to Schriebers Meadow today.
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