Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Matthew Lubar
Observation Date:
December 17, 2021
Submitted:
December 17, 2021
Zone or Region:
West North
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Bagley Basin

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
No
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
5000'
Aspect:
N
Comments:
Triggered a small (D1), shallow (6-8in crown depth) wind slab in a cross loaded gully feature in Newt's Chute.

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
5100
Aspect:
N
Comments:
Observed the aftermath of a D1 Wind Slab on a steep, 40+ deg mid-slope convexity about halfway between Newt's Chute and Corner Pocket. Appeared to be skier triggered. No photo due to flat light :/

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Rolled into the HM lot @ 8am to temps in the high teens and locally clear skies, which quickly moved to BKN and trended towards OVC as the day progressed. Observed widespread surface hoar in locations travelled (N-E-S aspects up to 5400ft), though light to moderate winds appeared to destroy most of the SH by early PM. Also observed some small faceted grains on the top cm of snow surface mixed in with DFs, PPs, and RGs throughout the terrain we traveled in.

Media

Bagley Basin around 9am
Small Wind Slab in Newt's Chute, triggered on the flank of a crossloaded gully feature.
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