Observation: Avalanche Professional
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 10, 2023Submitted:
January 10, 2023Observer:
Avalanche Professional - Kaf AdventuresZone or Region:
East CentralLocation:
Blewett Pass, Tronsen Head (S-W-N)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedMedia/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly SunnyTemperature:
28°FWind:
Light , ENew/Recent Snowfall:
3"Clearing skies throughout the day with periods of strong sun. Light wind from the east. Subfreezing temps all day.
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Photos | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Jan 9, 2023 () |
Below Tronsen Head, Blewett Pass N 5700ft |
D1.5 R2 |
SS-Soft Slab | O-Old Snow | 0.5ft | U-Unknown |
|
Report |
1-2 day old Storm Slab avalanche on a north aspect. Unclear if it was human triggered or natural. There were numerous tracks with 50' or so, but no tracks that led into the slide.
Snowpack Observations
105cm snow depth, with newly grown 2-3mm surface hoar on the snow surface. Two layers were concerning: buried surface hoar 30cm down, and near crust facets just beneath the Christmas crust, 45cm down. Two ECT results: ECTP15 on the buried surface hoar, and ECTP18 on the facets.
I did not encounter any signs of instability outside of the pit on the SH layer. I did kick off some very sizable cornices, one of which was large and pretty surprising. These cornices easily entrained more snow and could have seriously injured a rider.