Observation: Public

Observation Details

Observed Avalanches

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Pictures will hopefully upload in order to highlight this description:

First noticed the higher avalanche while climbing up to Hogsback enroute to climber’s right hand Pearly Gate [side note: Until the late afternoon summit when SW winds began to pick up, very enjoyable climbing conditions throughout the day, minimal wind and warming despite NOAA forecast and well-tracked route well-suited to basic mountaineering gear…guessing coming storm system will preserve or enhance that for awhile longer…while initially worsening storm and wind avalanche risks]. After ski descending Mazamas Chute (also in great shape), inspected this Rimefall-initiated slide more closely and noticed the multiple levels seeming to indicate a stepdown. Also realized that rather than terminating just above Hot Rocks, it slide through it and deposited toe debris just below.

Noticed the lower avalanche after entering onto Upper Zigzag just below Crater Rock, from whose notch it appeared to initiate, also implying some form of Rime or maybe Rock fall. No step down noticed on this one, though was wider and with larger debris than the first.

Also including some pics at the end related to wind-loading evidence (as appears to me). With ongoing STRONG WSW winds forecasted to continue during the duration of this weekend’s cold-tailend storm, I would think these high elevation, wind-based slab avalanche risks will continue (or worsen) in the days ahead for the same affected (primarily Eastern half) aspects.