Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Patrick Herrmann
Observation Date:
January 3, 2021
Submitted:
January 3, 2021
Zone or Region:
West North
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Austin Pass

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Observations

Skied low angle treed terrain and found excellent ski conditions. My hand passed through the new snow without any distinct layers pulling out when performing numerous hand shears and the new snow felt unconsolidated.

Observed widespread cracking on all aspects around Austin Pass and Swift Creek in the top 10-15cm. Dug a pit on a SE aspect in low angle terrain near top of Austin Pass. HS was less than expected at 250cm suggesting possible wind transport or previously disturbed snow in the pit location.

Media

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Storm Slab
Comments: 
D1 storm slabs observed on convex features on various aspects in swift creek
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