Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Nolan Averbuch - Baker Mountain GuidesObservation Date:
December 11, 2022Submitted:
December 11, 2022Zone or Region:
West NorthActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Heather Meadows- Artist PointObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
4900'Aspect:
NEComments:
Small slab avalanche lookers left of Martha's ladder, ~15' wide 2' crown. Looked like it had several inches of snow covering. Most likely happened during the 12/9-12/10 storm.Signs of Unstable Snow
Observations
During our AIARE I tour day we conducted hand pits and hand shear tests above the backcountry gate (NW slope 4800') around 10:30 with no results. We then continued higher observing an old avalanche to lookers left of Martha's ladder. Around 11:45 today the clouds started to burn off and the surface of the snow became considerably more consolidated. This coincided with more ice and snow dropping off trees, as well as heavier ski conditions. On our return we dug observation pits on another NW facing slope at Austin pass. Of the 4 compressions tests we conducted, three were CTN, and one was CTH Q2 down 69cm from the snow surface potentially on the buried surface hoar layer. The pit that had the reactive CT was the most sheltered by the trees. We could not get an HS in this location with a 300cm probe. We did not see active signs of instability through the day, though another BMG party saw a D1 wet avalanche in Little Switzerland today.