Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Dave Shuey
Observation Date:
December 11, 2022
Submitted:
December 11, 2022
Zone or Region:
East North
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Delancy

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Observations

Traveled through lower Delancy on an observation tour today. Observed widespread cracking and collapsing, especially on low angle slopes. Snow profiles at ~4000ft on S aspects revealed a thin and weak structure. Small and large column tests showed repeated sudden planar fractures and propagation on the lower late November crust, down 50cm. Snow surface was baked with sun and warm temps on solars; likely sun crust formed.

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