Observation: Avalanche Professional

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 27, 2021
Submitted:
December 27, 2021
Observer:
Avalanche Professional - Shane Robinson
Zone or Region:
West South
Location:
Crystal Backcountry (All )

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Partly Cloudy
Wind:
Calm

Cold and mostly clear. Afternoon low-level clouds and convective showers added another 1" of snow. Calm winds.

Skier-triggered (presumed accidental? from another party) cornice fall entrained dry loose snow and potentially a wind slab pocket that ran most of the crown point slope (D1.5? - lots of big cornice chunks). I also tip-toed up to a corniced narrow ridge and was surprised by how fragile the cornices were.

Snowpack Observations

Generally right side up snowpack with minimal slab structure. A very thin crust formed (today?) on steep south slopes below 6000'.