Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Zack Wentz
Observation Date:
February 10, 2023
Submitted:
February 10, 2023
Zone or Region:
West South
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Crystal - Dogleg Couloir & Upper Henskin Lake

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Skied above upper Henskin Lake, the Dogleg chute and surrounding area from 0800-12:50. These are our obs:

Avalanche Obs: Several sz1-1.5 loose dry avalanches were observed on steep (>40 degree) features on polar (NW-NE) aspects.

Snowpack Obs: Wind has distributed snow to variable depth. HS ranges from 265cms on wind scoured ridges to >350cms on wind-loaded features at 6100’. Numerous hand shears saw resistant but planar results down 40-45cms on the new-old snow interface.

Weather Obs: Mostly cloudy skies (7/8 covered) with patchy sun breaks. AM snow less than 1cm/hr (S-1) & calm winds. Boot pen: 30cms at ridge top, ranging to 50cms in wind sheltered locations. As we were leaving the field, snow surfaces got wet & heavy, precip increased and localized convective flurries started to begin.

Media

Hand shears in wind loaded pockets were resistant but planar down 40-45cms on NW aspect @ 6100’.
Cornices are getting quite sizable along ridge lines.

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
All aspects; especially NW about 100’ below ridge top in specific, open features. Depth ranged btwn 10-45cms depending on location on slope. Numerous hand shears saw resistant but planar results down 45cms.
Observed Avalanche Problem #2: 
Dry Loose
Comments: 
Steep polar aspects (>40 degrees; NW-NE). Sz 1-1.5. Likely-very likely to trigger.
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