Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Alex Blanck
Observation Date:
November 23, 2022
Submitted:
November 23, 2022
Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie Pass
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Alpental

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Isolated
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
Yes, Isolated

Observations

Our group toured up Alpental to near top of Lower International.

Observed whumpfing, isolated collapsing, and isolated cracks while skinning from 3,500’ to 4,000’.

Chose to dig a profile on ESE 40 degree slope at 4,000’.

Profile Notes:
- 63 cm snow depth
- top 2cm: pencil probe
- 2-16cm: 1 finger probe
- 16-19cm: 3cm rain crust
- 19cm-base: 1 finger probe

Column test failed during isolation above the rain crust at 16 cm depth. Fracture character undetermined.

We isolated a second column which failed both above and below the same rain crust with light tap to the back of the column.

Media

Second column test showing the fracture above and below the rain crust
First column test showing failure above rain crust
Some cracking we observed while skinning
A sturdy rain crust

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 

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