Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Enji CooperObservation Date:
December 15, 2022Submitted:
December 15, 2022Zone or Region:
West SouthActivity:
XC Skiing/SnowshoeingLocation:
Pyramid Creek Environs (Pechugh Peak, Caluquhoun Peak)Observed Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Wet LooseSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
5k'Aspect:
SComments:
Observed several few days old wet loose slides on south facing aspects of Pechugh Peak near the upper forestry road.Signs of Unstable Snow
Observations
Snow coverage was lower depth than anticipated, but also stronger where impacted by snowshoes, snowmobiles, and truck tires.
Snowpack under/near treeline with tight tree cover on non-north facing aspects seemed to exhibit wet loose behavior (the lower SE ridge on the way up to Pechugh Peak; much of Caluquhoun Peak's snowpack).
Some hand shear tests exhibited wet cohesion on upper storm snow layers. The snow directly below the most recent storm snow seemed stout in light of the pressure our group was exerting when booting, using snowshoes, and using relative pressure tests with the butt end of my trekking pole.
Snowpack out in the open in leeward areas was powdery and deep: we kept on finding large dry/loose powder stashes which were incredibly difficult to ascend (similar to sand dunes).
We found weak sun crust on all but north facing aspects. We found deep dry loose powder/wind affected snow on north facing aspects.
Media
