Avalanche Occurrence
General Information
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster
Occurrence Date:
Mar 12, 2023 11:43 pm ()
Location:
Mount St. Helens
Comments:
Via USGS: Two large avalanches occurred again at Mount St. Helens, this time on the east side of the volcano. The first was at 23:43 on March 12 and the second was at 4:48 on March 13. The first was around 7 minutes in duration - probably around a D3 on the NE side of the volcano close to East Dome. The second was nearly 20 minutes long, most likely starting around Shoestring Notch. The second one was definitely channelized.
Avalanche Characteristics
# of Avys:
2Aspect:
E (NE,E)Start Zone Elev:
7730ftSize:
D3Type:
HS-Hard SlabTrigger:
N-NaturalVertical Fall:
4330ftComments:
USGS: Ran 2.5 miles from the top of the Shoestring Glacier down into the flat and fills some of the canyons completely. Debris piles are estimated to be 20-30 feet high in places at the toe.
Suspected to be a Wind Slab that may have entrained wet snow due to the warm-up and rain. Possibly Wet Slab.
Media