Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Zack WentzObservation Date:
November 28, 2020Submitted:
November 28, 2020Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie PassActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Alpental Ski AreaObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Wet LooseSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
5,000ftAspect:
SEComments:
Large roller balls were observed on SW-SE facing slopes at TL in the Alpental Valley. Most slopes above 35 degrees had evidence of loose wet activity during the warming event this weekend.Photo:
Signs of Unstable Snow
Observations
Avalanche Obs: Numerous Na sz1 loose wet avalanche debris were observed on steep, solar slopes @ TL. From 2pm onward, many signs of warming were evident, with tree bombs frequent and new loose wet activity on sunny slopes.
Snowpack Obs:
-Approx. 28cms of new snow sits atop the most recent rain crust (likely 11/27 rain crust). This new snow is bonding well to itself (4F+ hardness), but not yet well to the crust.
—Observed numerous easy, and sudden hand shears down 28cms on the storm snow, 11/27 crust interface
—The upper snowpack was moist due to rain & warming
-Above the new snow is a widespread & thin sun/rain crust. It is thin, but quite influential to skiing conditions.
-HS @ Top of Armstrong Chair (4400ft): 160cms
Weather Obs:
-Sky: Broken cloud cover
-Wind: Nil
-Blowing Snow: Nil
-Air temp: 37 degrees @ Alpental base @ 12:00
Ski quality was fair as the trap crust was quite widespread on all aspects. Below the trap crust, the snow is good, but moist and chunky in spots.
There were quite a few open creeks to navigate, especially down low. Despite that, coverage is quite good.
-Zack Wentz
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