Observation: Public

Observation Details

Triggered Avalanches

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

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.