Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
J.Arroyo
Observation Date:
January 9, 2021
Submitted:
January 9, 2021
Zone or Region:
West North
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Herman Saddle

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Hard Slab
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
4600
Aspect:
NE
Comments:
Occurred within the last few days in the lower portion of cornerpocket. Failure likely occurred due to wind loading from the SW. Crown estimated to be 3-4 feet in center.
Photo:

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Observations

Winds at the saddle were primarily easterly loading into the iceberg bowl drainage. Small shooting cracks were observed near the ridge line below cornices and in wind loaded features near the saddle on the western aspect. These instabilities were not noticed below in the treeline terrain.

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