Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Eli GoldObservation Date:
November 30, 2022Submitted:
December 30, 2022Zone or Region:
West NorthActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Baker backcountryTriggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
NoAvalanche Type:
Wet SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
Lower-middleAspect:
SComments:
Signs of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
Yes, IsolatedDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
NoObservations
Headed towards Guido’s (tree skiing on S side of Artist point) in a group of 4 in very poor visibility with warm temps and high precip (34 degrees when we left at 9:30am).
While touring towards Artist Point we experienced shooting cracks on a test slope (~35degrees, NE facing, 4800’). We didn’t find any obvious crusts or layers throughout our tour, however the most recent storm snow left a reactive slab ranging from 6-10” deep. As a result, we tried to mostly avoid steep or open slopes.
The avalanche I triggered was fairly small (6”, 15’ wide and went 30-40’ downhill) and not entirely unexpected. Based on the reactivity of the snow throughout our tour, I kept along a small ridge above a small steep face in the trees. The slab was triggered during a hard cut along the top of the ridge and I stayed upright. I don’t believe it would’ve been large enough to bury anyone but possibly knock someone off their feet. Reinforced our decision to keep to smaller slopes in the trees.
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