Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

I am a Hurricane Ridge Ski Patroller and toured in the POMA Bowl today. My partner and I observed a widespread avalanche cycle, on all aspects within the POMA bowl, which likely occurred towards the end of yesterday's storm. Numerous slab avalanches, of the same nature, were observed while driving up the Hurricane Ridge road this morning, beginning at approximately the switchback trailhead. With our loupe observation, we could not find a significant difference in grain type between the top 10 cm, and the snow below it, but the top 10 cm of snow was more cohesive, which allowed it to propagate. After this widespread avalanche cycle occurred, the overall snowpack stability was good. We did an unsupported ski cut test, on a test slope that had not slid. Our ski penetration of 30cm+ and was not reactive, but if I just kicked off the top 10 cm it was very reactive.