Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Drew Lovell
Observation Date:
December 17, 2020
Submitted:
December 17, 2020
Zone or Region:
East Central
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Railroad Creek Valley

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
6000'
Aspect:
SE
Comments:
Observed natural size 1 Windslab, estimated release earlier in the AM. Ran approx. 70m vertical. Deposition <1m. Crown had already re-loaded and become obscured.
Photo:

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Isolated
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
No

Observations

Moderate transport of recent low density snow, with moderate W winds. Especially apparent Near and Above Treeline. Snow surfaces in wind-exposed locations exhibited stiffening and cracking beneath skis.

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