Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Traveled SR 20 via snowmachine from Early Winters to hairpin near WA Pass. Moderate to heavy snow squalls from 10:00-15:00. Approx. 5-6" accumulated during our time there. Toured up Hairpin Valley to assess snowpack and coverage. Temps in mid 20's, with light and variable wind. Could feel a light crust under new snow with ski poles and drier snow beneath with ability to push ski pole to ground surface. Coverage was thin in tour area, especially in heavy timber. Boulder fields were difficult to navigate, as were areas near creek with brush. We did not attempt to ski any slopes due to poor snow coverage. Did not observe any avalanches in hwy corridor slide chutes or in terrain around our tour route.