Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Cullen Freeman
Observation Date:
February 13, 2022
Submitted:
February 14, 2022
Zone or Region:
West North
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Canyon Creek/Church Lake/Bear Paw

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Wet Loose
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
5000
Aspect:
N
Comments:
Could see a few wet slides on north-facing aspects of the flanks of Bear Paw below Church Lake. Relatively small.

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

I took advantage of the high pressure window and lack of snow on Canyon Creek Rd to mark this tour off of my bucket list. I parked just past the campground/bridge. In retrospect, I could have parked pretty close to the sign at the Bear Paw Rd and the road going up towards Church Lake. I get a little nervous driving on snow on remote forest roads, but it was very well hard packed and even bare for .5- 1 mile. Lower lying areas near the creek had less than a centimeter of hoar frost. Snow up high is packed hard in most aspects with a little slush forming on the roads and sun-drenched areas. I didn't hit corn or firm slush till about 1/4 of the way down from the top. Nothing exciting to note, but since this area doesn't get many reports, I figured I'd share.

Media

Public Field Report: Canyon Creek/Church Lake/Bear Paw
Public Field Report: Canyon Creek/Church Lake/Bear Paw
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