Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Matt
Observation Date:
April 22, 2022
Submitted:
April 22, 2022
Zone or Region:
Stevens Pass
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Stevens Pass - Sidecountry (Brooks Chair Access)

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
No
Avalanche Type:
Dry Loose (Sluff)
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
middle
Aspect:
SE
Comments:
Accessed the sidecountry, lookers right, off of Brooks Chair. The powder was incredible this morning - moderately light, slightly slushy, and slightly crunchy. Early in the day (8 am - 12 pm) the texture of the snow was nuanced in the best way - ideal for snowball fights. Around 9:15 am, I set off a couple of sluffs that turned into roller balls which ran a bit. It was a mellow slope and I wasn't going that fast. Around 9:30, I noticed a SE aspect slope that featured some naturally occurring bowling ball lines.

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
No
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
Yes, Isolated

Observations

The riding conditions were primo before 11 am. After that, my powder ritual kicked in and it started dumping at Stevens Pass. The new snow was super sticky and rode very slowly.

Media

Public Field Report: Stevens Pass - Sidecountry (Brooks Chair Access)
Public Field Report: Stevens Pass - Sidecountry (Brooks Chair Access)
Public Field Report: Stevens Pass - Sidecountry (Brooks Chair Access)
Did a little pop & drop test - popped off this little rock feature to drop into pow, it was nice and pillowy. I'm about 205 lbs.
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