Observation: Public

Name:

Carl Delica

Observation Date:

November 21, 2020

Submitted:

November 22, 2020

Zone or Region:

West North

Activity:

Skiing/Snowboarding

Location:

Excelsior peak

Did you trigger any avalanches?

Yes

Was it intentional?

No

Avalanche Type:

Soft Slab

Size:

Size 1: Relatively harmless to people

Elevation:

5500 ft

Aspect:

SE

Comments:

Triggered a small slab, approximately 3-4 inches on the final slope up traversing ne to gain the e Ridge on skis. I suspect it was due to wind loading as the rest of the Ridge was evident by wind scouring.

None reported

The snow that was skinnable started around 3500 ft approximately. Had to hike up from the trailhead at 1800 ft. The snow in the woods was fluffy and got deeper as we went up. We busted a trail up and because of how the southern aspect of the final Ridge looked, we cut right (ne) up to a plateau instead of taking the summer trail west the the pass. The final slope was wind loaded and a small slab piece did come off as we traverses to the east Ridge at around 5500. Otherwise a beautiful day to be out. The downhill ski was cautious and did not take the steep face down due to how uncomfortable I felt with the observation. I should have brought my powder skis for the rest of the trail. I think you could have gone either way with skis. Not worth it for most of the forest, but great for the top.