Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Teresa HagertyObservation Date:
February 21, 2021Submitted:
February 21, 2021Zone or Region:
West SouthActivity:
Walking/HikingLocation:
Mt. Rainier National Park - Carter Falls OverlookObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Wet SlabSize:
Size 3: Could bury and destroy a car, damage a truck, destroy a wood frame house, or break a few treesElevation:
Above TreelineAspect:
NComments:
Large natural avalanche observed from above treeline on the N aspect slope seen from the Carter Falls overlook above the Wonderland Trail in Mt. Rainier National Park. Avalanche seen at 12:45 pm. No observed or probable human triggers at remote above tree line area.Photo:
Signs of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
Leading a snowshoeing group in Mt. Rainier National Park from Longmire. Conservative terrain choices made due to known avalanche forecast. Travel limited to/from Longmire to Carter Falls overlook above the Wonderland Trail and the Nisqually River crossing to Carter Falls. We did not descend to the bridge over the Nisqually due to exposure to avalanche terrain. (this turned out to be the right choice as noted)
No snowpack tests conducted.
Media
