Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Zack Wentz
Observation Date:
February 24, 2023
Submitted:
February 24, 2023
Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie Pass
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Kendall Slidepath & Stump

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

We skied the furthest looker’s right of the Kendall Slidepaths, where there was a thinner wind skin rather than a wind slab. Field Obs collected between 12:00-1600.

Avalanche Obs: No new avalanches observed.

Snowpack Obs:

Below 4100’: Btwn 20-30cms of highly faceted new snow (F-) sits above the Feb. 19th MFcr.

Above 4100’: Wind affected snow exists in all but the most sheltered features. Range of wind affect spans the depth of 10-25cms, and is shallowest on SW aspects, and deepest on NW-NE aspects. Wind slab on SW aspects was non-reactive in ski cuts.

Weather Obs: Cold & clear. Light E winds.

Media

Wind affect even in small openings at TL & BTL.

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
Widespread on all aspects above 4100,’ but increases in depth with elevation.
Likelihood of triggering: possible-likely
Size: D1-D2
Depth: Ranges from 10-25cms depending on elevation (higher being worse) and aspect SW having least depth of wind loading at approx. 15cms.
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