Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Jonathan Pfundstein
Observation Date:
December 11, 2022
Submitted:
December 11, 2022
Zone or Region:
Stevens Pass
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Skyline Area 2nd Radio Tower

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Isolated
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
No

Observations

Ascended the Skyline lakes road to second radio tower.
Full sun exposure early with calm conditions. Fog rolled in around midday

Signs of sastrugi on lower South East facing open slope sections around 4500ft

More wind loading above treeline with deposits around 4-8" at 5100 ft

CTM with sudden planar shearing around 8-12" down at drizzle crust.

Recent storm conditions seems to be consolidating and healing well, with some warmer conditions and direct sun today providing some sticky snow on exposed slope sections.

Media

Signs of wind loading on open sections below treeline around 4500ft
Signs of sastrugi on lower South East facing open slope sections around 4500ft
CTM with sudden planar shearing around 8-12" down at drizzle crust. SE Aspect 5100ft Fractured with 6 Moderated taps. Recent storm slab seems to be consolidating and healing, but still reactive.

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Storm Slab
Comments: 
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