Observation: Public

Name:

kevin birdsall

Observation Date:

November 15, 2020

Submitted:

November 17, 2020

Zone or Region:

Snoqualmie Pass

Activity:

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Location:

Snow Lake Trail 2 miles in

Did you observe any avalanches?

Yes

Avalanche Type:

Dry Loose (Sluff)

Size:

Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person

Elevation:

4020

Aspect:

Comments:

Location ~ 2 miles in on trail 1013. About 50 yards after first switch back, trail opens up to steep bank with less trees.

Avalanche was loose fluffy powder that washed away solo hiker with dog down to lower trees.

Hiker was buried in about 4 feet of snow with dog and pinned against tree. Used snow shoes as shovels to dig.

Width was ~ 10 yards

Length ~ 30 yards

Two of our party of four moved towards trees to take safety while the other two followed close as possible to the tree line to the sound of dog yelping.

Both hiker and dog where found and assisted back to trail. No injuries.

None reported

Stay away from long steep grades of snow. Use gps/map ect. To stay on recommend trail. When in doubt turn back or stay close to trees and or take a wide birth from open steep grades.

Big learning experience for us. Next time will have locating devices. Highly recommend taking avalanche awareness course and not hiking alone in areas where avalanche is possible.