Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Zack WentzObservation Date:
December 2, 2020Submitted:
December 3, 2020Zone or Region:
West SouthActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Crystal Backcountry - Henskin Lake AreaTriggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
NoAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
6,000ftAspect:
NWComments:
Small, isolated wind slab was triggered on a 40 degree convex roll in an open area at treeline. The failure was down 6-7cms on the 11/30 interface.Signs of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
Avalanche Obs: See above.
Snowpack Obs: Performed a few hand shears in wind-loaded snow at treeline. All hand shears were stubborn (showed resistant fracture character) and failed on the 11/30 interface. Density of the wind slab ranged from 4F+ to 1F depending on location and degree of wind-effect.
Weather Obs: In the AM, observed moderate-strong W winds & moderate blowing snow (snow was being transported via saltation). PM obs were limited, but blowing snow was observed at ridgetop.
-Zack Wentz
Advanced Observations
Observed Avalanche Problem #1:
Wind SlabComments:
Observed Location: Widespread wind slab was observed on all aspects in the treeline and alpine elevation bands.Potential Size: Based on depth of the slab, likely up to sz2
Likelihood of triggering: Possible; likely in more wind-loaded features such as immediately below ridgetop or in cross-loaded gullies
Layer Depth & Date: Wind-deposited snow varied in depth, ranging from 5cms thick-25cms thick all sitting atop the 11/30 interface.