Northwest Avalanche Center

Weak Layer

Weak Layer Information

Layer Burial Date:
January 4, 2023
Layer Grain Type (Primary):
SH -Surface Hoar
Layer Grain Type (Secondary):
SH -Surface Hoar
Comments:

Name: Jan 4th SH

Zones: WS, ES, EC, EN

Buried in WS, ES, EC on 1/4

Buried in EN on 1/5

Multiple skier triggered avalanches on layer in EC; Wenatchee Mountains on 1/8 through 1/10. Widespread natural avalanche cycle on this layer in EN during MLK storm of 1/13-14

No confirmed avalanches in other zones

 

Media

Public Field Report: Mission Ridge, inbounds
Very large buried surface hoar grains (10.0-15.0mm) found 57cm below the surface. Mission Peak, NE, 6,760ft
Crown of avalanche beneath Tronsen Head, Blewett Pass
Public Field Report: Blewett pass, tronsen head

Weak Layer Observations

Professional Field Reports:
Jan 21, 2023 - Turnpike Creek Drainage
Jan 20, 2023 - Blewett Pass, Windy Knob
Avalanche Occurrences:
Jan 13, 2023 - Big Chief Mtn- East Highlands Bowl
Jan 14, 2023 - Turnpike Creek
Jan 9, 2023 - Mission Ridge
Jan 9, 2023 - Below Tronsen Head, Blewett Pass
WordPress Lightbox