Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Zack WentzObservation Date:
February 25, 2021Submitted:
February 25, 2021Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie PassActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Alpental Valley - Big TreesTriggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
NoAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
4200’Aspect:
NEComments:
Location: In opening skiers right of Big Trees. Depth: 15cms on new graupel interface Width: 50 feet Length: 150 feetSigns of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
Yes, WidespreadDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
NoObservations
Avalanche Obs: See above. Numerous sz 1 storm slabs on steep E facing features skinning up to Source Lake.
Snowpack Obs: Numerous hand shears resulted in uneven breaks but easy failures within the new storm snow (graupel). Upper 15cms consists of settled storm snow and graupel and is 4F- in hardness in most sheltered locations.
Weather Obs: Consistent graupel at S2 all day. Surface form: approx. 3mm graupel. AM wind was calm up to Source Lake and Pineapple Basin; PM wind was M from the E, with L blowing snow at ridge top starting around 2pm.
Overall a great day to be out! The graupel is skiing really well!
Advanced Observations
Observed Avalanche Problem #1:
Storm SlabComments:
Location: Up to Pineapple Basin & top of Big Trees. Widespread, especially above Source LakePotential Size: Up to D2 in the right terrain feature. We only observed D1s.
Likelihood of Triggering: Likely