Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Andy Berner
Observation Date:
February 21, 2022
Submitted:
February 22, 2022
Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie Pass
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Chair Peak

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
~5800'
Aspect:
NE
Comments:
While heading up to the col to access N slopes down to Snow Lake, observed debris in the basin below Chair Peak's east aspect S of the divide. Hard to tell exactly when it ran, but appeared to be mid-way through this most recent storm. Would guess crown of at least 2' with significant lateral extent (see pics).

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Travelled from Lot 4 at Alpy up to the lower col along the ridge E of Chair Peak, descended to Snow Lake, skied NW facing trees E of Snow Lake Divide, then back to the lot. Ski conditions were generally very good throughout the day. N aspects held settled powder that seemed dried out relative to Sunday. Could get small sluffs on steeper terrain, but didn't seem to want to propagate. Longer sun breaks began affecting solar aspects by late morning, but remained very pleasant skiing when descending around 1400PST, with only a very faint crustiness in the top 1/2", though traversed most of the way along the S side of the ridge back towards chair for a SE facing run down to Source Lake.

Media

Public Field Report: Chair Peak
Public Field Report: Chair Peak
Public Field Report: Chair Peak

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Storm Slab
Comments: 
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