Observation: Public

Observation Details

Observed Avalanches

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

We were skiing down the Nisqually Chutes about 3 pm. It was warm, sunny and the snow had transitioned from good skiing to heavy chop. We still traveled one at a time within the terrain trap waiting at protected high points. Before dropping back into the trough I looked up to see a slow moving wet avalanche moving down the chute. It started at a point release and was slowly entraining enough material to be dangerous. Since it was moving like thick lava, we all had plenty of time to get out of (or in our case, stay out of) harms way. Once the slide had stopped, we chose to get a move on so we could cross the other potential release points as quickly as possible.
Amazing to watch! I took a video, but sadly can’t share here. Happy Spring!