Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Zack WentzObservation Date:
November 21, 2020Submitted:
November 21, 2020Zone or Region:
West SouthActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Crystal - East Peak & Upper Cement BasinTriggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
5700ftAspect:
SEComments:
Lower section of East Peak in a shallow area amongst rocks & cliff bands. Upper 10cms of storm snow slid on the 11/16 rain crust, which was widespread but significantly more stiff and supportive on solar aspects. Start zone slope angle: 40 degrees. Slide slid for approx. 20 ft and stopped. Crown depth: 10cms. Crown width: 20 ft.Signs of Unstable Snow
Observations
Avalanche Obs: Sa sz1 via ski cut on a 40 degree SE facing slope at TL. Storm snow slid on 11/16 rain crust.
Snowpack Obs:
-Solar aspects below 6,000ft. Significant sun crust forming on surface over old 11/16 rain crust. Above 6,000ft: 11/16 rain crust is widespread on these aspects and supportive. 15-20cms of F- faceted storm snow sits above this crust.
-Polar aspects: 35cms of faceted storm snow sits atop the 11/16 rain crust. 3-4mm surface hoar was observed on the surface in sheltered areas @ TL.
-Polar aspects in wind-loaded areas: 55cms of faceted storm snow and wind-transported snow sits atop the 11/16 rain crust. Wind-loaded snow was slightly stiffer than polar aspects without wind-affect, but was generally quite soft (F+).
Didn’t do any instability tests and didn’t observe below the 11/16 rain crust, which was widespread and very supportive.
Weather Obs:
-Sky: Clear
-Wind: Calm
-Blowing snow: Nil
Media
