Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Robin Stein
Observation Date:
January 30, 2023
Submitted:
January 30, 2023
Zone or Region:
Mt Hood
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Timberline

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Toured up from Govt. Camp on Glade trail through Timberline to the cat track and slopes above Little Salmon. With increasing elevation saw progressively more signs of wind affected snow. Highly variable surface conditions ranging from soft wind drifts to breakable crust to stubborn hollow wind slab and wind scoured ice within ten paces. Beautiful day, minimal wind with a few gusts even above tree line. Good conditions for skinning but not the best skiing coming down with such variable surface conditions higher up. Skiing became more enjoyable lower down and on groomers passing through timberline. Down by noon and despite the sun the snow still was cold and fast.

Media

Below tree line wind effect
Below tree line
Below tree line
Wind slab on test slope above tree line
Wind slab on test slope above tree line
Wild extra  large sastrugi off the cat track

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
Near and mostly above tree line. Lots of evidence of wind affected snow: drifts and pillows of soft snow between 3-6" deep and 1.5" - 2" thick hollow stiff slabs observed on small test slopes.
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