Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Jake Precht
Observation Date:
February 14, 2023
Submitted:
February 14, 2023
Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie Pass
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Olallie Mountain

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
No
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
Yes, Isolated

Observations

Storm snow came in right side up with looser dry snow above medium density snow below it. The snow started to firm up a bit in the sun later in the day but never got slabby while we were out. Below 4000 feet the crust was thick and supportive and well bonded to the new snow. At about 4100 feet we observed the crust layer became thinner and breakable just from pole planting. This wasn't causing any issues while we were out, but it could be a factor in the coming days as this snow firms up? Lots of fun skiing to be had!

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
Isolated whumpfing occurred once on the leeward side of a treewell at 4000 feet. No other signs of instability or wind slabs observed even though some terrain was definitely wind loaded.
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