Weak Layer

Weak Layer Information

Layer Burial Date:
January 15, 2023
Layer Grain Type (Primary):
MFcr - Melt Freeze Crust
Layer Grain Type (Secondary):
FC - Faceted Crystals
Comments:

Name: MLK crust

Zones: EC, ST

Crust with thin weak layer above, and more so below. In many locations @ ST the weak layer grains are predominantly rounds with slight faceting. Active during a prolonged cycle of natural, and triggered avalanches from 2/8-13.

 

Media

A close up view of the top of the crown of a human triggered avalanche in the Stevens Pass backcountry. Trigger point was below the photo. HS-ASu-R2-D2-O
Public Field Report: Jove Peak
A small natural avalanche that likely ran on 2/8 on the MLK crust. This images was taken on the 10th and is in the track of the avalanche that would be triggered by skiers on overhead slopes on the 11th.
Crown profile for a skier triggered avalanche that partially buried 1 skier on point 5463ft, just north of Josephine Lake. NE, 5380ft
A crown profile from a skier-triggered avalanche. The slide was 78cm deep, running on a thin weak layer on MLK crust. Near Lake Josephine, 5380ft, NE

Weak Layer Observations

Professional Field Reports:
Feb 19, 2023 - Skyline Area
Feb 17, 2023 - Lake Susan Jane Area
Avalanche Occurrences:
Feb 12, 2023 - Jove Peak
Feb 11, 2023 - Josephine Lake- Shoulda, Coulda
Feb 8, 2023 - Lumiere Ridge, Rooster Comb