Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Max Bednarski
Observation Date:
December 23, 2022
Submitted:
December 23, 2022
Zone or Region:
East Central
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Red Mountain

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Widespread
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
Yes, Isolated

Observations

We skinned up toward red mountain and experienced major unstable snow. As we were skinning , there were shooting cracks and snow would break off in tiny slabs. We avoided all 30+ degree terrain. We dug a pit at 3300’ east facing. Before we could even start the column test with shovel taps, the column broke 10cm from the top by just basically breathing on it. Guessing this is the new storm layer. The broken piece slid very easy on the column. We proceeded with the test and the column cracked at 55cm after 5 medium hits. The slab slid very easily on the column. This felt like a very dangerous day today

Media

Public Field Report: Red Mountain
Public Field Report: Red Mountain
Public Field Report: Red Mountain
Public Field Report: Red Mountain
Public Field Report: Red Mountain
Public Field Report: Red Mountain
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