Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Steve TownsendObservation Date:
January 22, 2022Submitted:
January 24, 2022Zone or Region:
East CentralActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Big HillObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Wet LooseSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
6400'Aspect:
NComments:
Saw what appeared to be an older small wet slide likely triggered from a rock fall or cornice/wind lip failure from above.Signs of Unstable Snow
Observations
Took advantage of the spring like weather to do a sled accessed overnight out at Big Hill Hut. Conditions were variable from wind scoured and solar crusts to wind loaded and protected N/NE aspects. NE bowl appeared to have some more wind loading possibly from Thursday night. Hand shears and shovel tests showed a crust at about 4"-6" down, but column tests yielded no results. We opted to ski NE facing terrain that was excellent, and the adjacent N facing bowl was more wind scoured and variable.
There was some older debris that looked to be triggered from a cliff band or rock fall, or possible small cornice failure. No other signs of instability, and gave some of the steeper sections a wide berth especially as temperatures warmed up.
Saturday was slightly overcast and cooler which led to better travel, but Sunday was full on spring time with blue bird skies and temps in the 40's. Good skiing in the morning on NE facing aspects, but anything in the sun was quickly becoming soft and downright slushy on the ride out.
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