Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Watch out for cornices, particularly where they overhang steep terrain or trees and other terrain traps.
This afternoon on the ridge near and above treeline winds were extreme. It was apparent that cornices had grown large and sensitive over the past few days.

Did not venture far into leeward terrain, but isolated cracking, whumpfing, and cornice failure were noted on steep but small terrain features and test slopes.

What felt like a large cornice was triggered unintentionally at treeline. Blowing snow limiting visibility was a factor in this near miss. Unable to see whether this collapse triggered any additional avalanche on the NE slope below. Winds were too intense and visibility too poor to allow investigation. Will have to look at it tomorrow.

SW facing exit route scoured to the recent rain crust with pockets of pow. Crust supportable to 180 lb skier.