Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Cameron Maltman
Observation Date:
December 11, 2022
Submitted:
December 11, 2022
Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie Pass
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Mount Catherine

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Traveled to the summit of Mt. Catherine from Hyak lot. Lots of new snow over what was still some early-season conditions. We dug a pit and recorded what we saw which is in the photos. Slabs were seen at a few points but never led to avalanches, however, it is apparent the new storm snow has not yet fully bonded with the previous layer. We did not observe any significant human or naturally triggered avalanches since the storm. We observed an avalanche crown from either a mid-storm release or before the storm, we did not get close enough to properly determine its origin. Overall, high amounts of stability on the slopes we traveled on even in the wetter, warmer afternoon.

Media

Pit dug at 4200ft N aspect, snow depth 160cm, Results of ECT, CTM failure (16). Fracture characteristics were non-planar and irregular. No significant propagation was observed.
Pit dug at 4200ft N aspect, snow depth 160cm, Results of DCT, CTH failure (26). Fracture characteristics were non-planar and irregular. Both failures occurred in layers close to where the new snow is bonding with the old snow.
Pit dug at 4200ft N aspect, snow depth 160cm. Close-up of snow hardness testing, fist to a depth of 90cm above the base, 4F till around 20cm and 3F after that. melt-freeze observed at the bottom.
Some hanging slabs are seen after skiing through parts of the very upper mountain
A photo of an isolated avalanche crown from either the middle of the last storm cycle or before it. Photo at 5500', North aspect
New snow.

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Storm Slab
Comments: 
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