Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Travis TruettObservation Date:
February 20, 2023Submitted:
February 20, 2023Zone or Region:
OlympicsActivity:
Walking/HikingLocation:
Mount Ellinor Winter ChuteObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Wet LooseSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
4600Aspect:
SEComments:
Very small on left side of the chute, ran to edge of climber's trail. Didn't appear to have been triggered by human as there were no easily visible tracks at/above the release.Signs of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
Hiked up to Mount Ellinor's winter route, approximately 1/4 up the chute before turning around given the high winds and approaching storm. Observed avalanche debris on the left side, running up against the climber's trail. Dug a pit on the same aspect and slope, ~20 meters below avalanche debris, and observed several small crusts within first ~20cm and then a concerning faceted layer at 60cm. Performed ECT without initiation/propagation. Jumped several times on the block afterward and was finally able to make it shear and slide. Given effort involved, presumably low risk.
Media
