Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Andy GoodwinObservation Date:
May 22, 2022Submitted:
May 24, 2022Zone or Region:
West SouthActivity:
XC Skiing/SnowshoeingLocation:
Mt St Helens Worm Flows Climbing RouteObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Wet LooseSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
4500-6000'Aspect:
SEComments:
Saturday 5/21/2022 was warm and sunny until mid afternoon and snow below 7000' was soft enough to post-hole knee deep. Several loose-wets ran on steeper slopes near the climbing route. Late afternoon rain squalls triggered more slides (see photos) that were noted on Sunday morning 5/22/2023. Sunday was even warmer and several more loose wet avalanches occurred during the day. Some were large enough to me a serious risk in a terrain trap.Signs of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
The greatest risk was to skiers exploring lines east and west of Monitor Ridge, but glissaders were using several trails on terrain similar to that where the avalanches occurred and in confining terrain. Skiers that I met were generally aware of the risks and making good choices. Glissaders were less experienced and generally not aware of the risk. I chose to avoid glissading routes on 30 plus degree slopes other than those that ran down the crest of Monitor Ridge.
It is also worth noting that the rim wall still carries a very substantial cornice that this week is seeing warm temps for the first time.
Media
