Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
NinnyObservation Date:
December 20, 2022Submitted:
December 21, 2022Zone or Region:
Stevens PassActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Nason creek north aspect 3500-4000 ftTriggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
3500-4000 ftAspect:
NEComments:
Observed Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
Aspect:
Comments:
Signs of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
Yes, WidespreadDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
NoObservations
Ski toured on northerly aspects of nason creek above the highway. 3500ft-4000.
Saw a few of what appeared to be appropriate 12"deep slides from the day before.
There were also a few natural 3" softslabs which had released on a density change close to the surface.
I was able to very easily trigger more similar slides on almost every steep roll I found. Very soft and dry snow both within the slab and below it. Surface snow was just slightly denser. Was even able to intiate a slide just by smacking a slope with my ski pole.
These slides didnt seem dangerous in of themselves, but they popped with a surprising amount of energy and will be a layer to watch once they are buried.