Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Dallas GlassObservation Date:
December 14, 2020Submitted:
December 14, 2020Zone or Region:
West SouthActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
White Pass: Miriam CreekTriggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
NoAvalanche Type:
Dry Loose (Sluff)Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
6200Aspect:
NEComments:
Several loose dry avalanches were entraining snow and running fast. While none were large enough to bury you, they could easily knock you off your feet.Signs of Unstable Snow
Observations
Snowpack: There's between 6 and 8" (15-20cm) of soft snow over the 12/09 crust where we traveled. This soft snow is made up of two storms (12/9-10 and 12/13-14). Between these two storms surface hoar formed. We continued to find it in the snowpack about 4" (10cm) above the very prominent 12/09 crust. The surface hoar is relatively small (3-6mm), but we found it on most aspects between 5700' and 6400'. Shovel Tilt Tests consistently proved to be the easiest way to find the SH since there is not yet a slab above.
The 12/09 crust is very strong and boot supportable.
Some wind redistribution of the snow at ridgecrest, but minimal drifting, and now sizable slabs observed.
Weather: Overcast with brief periods of broken skies. Very light snow showers most of the tour. Winds generally light out of the SW.
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