Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
BK, EA & AR
Observation Date:
February 18, 2022
Submitted:
February 18, 2022
Zone or Region:
Stevens Pass
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Lichtenberg

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Wet Loose
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
5800-6000
Aspect:
S
Comments:
South face of Jove Peak had a few wet loose slides that were narrow but ran most of the open slope

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

We experienced a wide variety of conditions as we toured the lichtenberg area. Solar aspects received significant sunshine throughout most of the day. We observed pinwheels and small debris as we ascended. The firm conditions made the ascent quick while new snow depth on supportable crust increased slightly as we gained elevation. A few in our group experienced glopping on skins and skis at various points. A quick application of glide wax remedied the issue. The wind sheltered northern aspects held much higher quality snow than the southern aspects.

The winds across the ridgeline were quite gusty. Nearly all of the new snow we encountered was of the warm, wet variety. Most of the snow seemed well bonded to the old snow surface. We did experience limited sloughing on steeper aspects. We observed wind drifting of the new snow though limited wind transport while we were out. With cooler temps approaching the recent snow may cause travel to be more challenging.

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