Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Gregg Oliveri
Observation Date:
March 20, 2022
Submitted:
March 21, 2022
Zone or Region:
East Central
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Mt. Fernow, Holden Village

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
No
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
5800
Aspect:
NE
Comments:
On Sunday we toured up Big Creek Valley towards Fernow Peak and found wind affected conditions on all aspects. In sheltered zones wind loading was a concern with 2"-5" wind slabs. On descent a member of our party set off a wind slab (D1.5) in a small gully that released at on the March 8th crust layer. Crown was 2' by 40' and ran for a distance of 20 meters. Skier was not caught.

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Size:
Elevation:
Aspect:
Comments:

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

In contrast to previous days tours, the snow pack was affected by strong overnight winds and dangerous travel conditions changed the calculus for travel in the 4,500ft.-7,000 ft. zone on northerly aspects.

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