Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Tod Bloxham
Observation Date:
February 20, 2022
Submitted:
February 21, 2022
Zone or Region:
Stevens Pass
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Jove Peak

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Dry Loose (Sluff)
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
5000
Aspect:
SW
Comments:
Very small dry loose avalanches on slopes greater than 45*

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Toured to the west side of Jove Peak via Smith Brook and Union Pass. Observed 3200'-6000'

HST 50-60cm Sunday AM . Mid-day sun with trees beginning to shed snow, later afternoon snow S1 to S5, additional 10cm by end of day. Light winds at ridgelines, no evidence of wind transport on S and W slopes.

Storm snow bonded to 2/14 crust, with a gradual right side up density. Small dry loose avalanches observed on steep slopes greater than 45*. No evidence of storm slab and no cracking or whumping on test slopes; very dry and loose closer to the surface. Solar facing slopes wetted about 3cm deep mid-day, however was buried by 10cm of new snow. No crust was observed at the end of day from the buried wet layer, and still skied well.

Mindset for the day was to limit exposure due to 24" of snow of snow that fell in the previous 12 hours. Large open trees of Jove was fantastic.

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Dry Loose
Comments: 
All aspects/elevations in specific steep features greater than 45*, likely, 50-70cm deep storm snow on the 2/14 crust.
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