Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 12, 2020
Submitted:
December 13, 2020
Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie Pass
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Chair Peak Arm, Wright Mt

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
5500
Aspect:
N
Comments:
Triggered on a ski cut, 10' wide and only ran 5' before slope leveled off.

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Widespread evidence of large natural slides around Chair Peak, and surprisingly large and firm debris under 6" fresh snow (Death Cookies). Morning started calm, but approaching noon the winds picked up and strengthened as the day went on. Near Wright Mt, the sun affect on southern slopes made good skinning. We observed many isolated pockets of surface hoar, some in some unexpected locations - just at a perfect convergence of shade from Chair Peak and tree cover.

Snowpack feels a lot thinner than last week, more open cracks, holes and flowing water. We felt Snow Lake was firm enough to skin over, but spooky cracking noises hastened the crossing.

WordPress Lightbox