Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Bunkhouse BillyObservation Date:
February 14, 2023Submitted:
February 14, 2023Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie PassActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Alpental Valley, all aspects b/t 3100' and 5300'Triggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
NoAvalanche Type:
Dry Loose (Sluff)Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
5000'Aspect:
NComments:
approx 4-6" slough ran on firmer crust in the trees. the area was wind scoured which contributed to the lower snow depths in this location;Observed Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a personElevation:
4800-5200Aspect:
WComments:
observed numerous (at least 5) old crowns along the west slopes of avalanche peak. they appeared to have run overnight (2/13) on a firm melt-freeze crustSigns of Unstable Snow
Observations
We travelled up the phantom and took a lap in an open bowl b/t 5300 and 4700'. Snow seemed well-bonded and observed no instabilities. Sun felt strong when it was out between 9:30-11 am. Started to consolidate snow slightly on the south aspect, but we didn't notice any rollerballs/tree bombs/etc. Cloud cover returned approx 11/11:30. Dropping into a north aspect we encountered evidence of wind scouring and found less snow on a firm crust which sloughed off in steeper terrain. On the west slopes of avalanche we observed several old crowns (D1-D2) in the trees at 5k. The lower face of chair from the divide back to source lake (east aspect) had formed a sun trapcrust that was difficult skiing at the end of the day. We also observed debris throughout the bryant couloir, including from our higher vantage earlier in the day.
Media
