Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Craig Roberts
Observation Date:
December 5, 2022
Submitted:
December 5, 2022
Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie Pass
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Source Lake

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

After discussing conditions we selected an assessment mindset for our tour up the alpental vallley this morning. We sought to avoid terrain traps that may have been buried by the recent storms, slopes 35 degrees, and convexities we suspected may harbor wind slabs. We encountered multiple terrain traps enroute, including open drainages above and below source lake. We decided to travel the slopes above source lake to take snow depth measurments and conduct a column test.

Alpental Valley, Source Lake, ESE 3900', 28 degree slope. 0945
BKN VF 5400-, NO, Temp < 0 deg C S, HS=120cm, Wind C ECTX x2, CTN E 4200', HS=150cm, weak crust at 90cm, 110cm

Media

Following a negative Extended Column Test we were able to elicit a break (shown here) with several additional blows.
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