Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Philip StraubObservation Date:
January 26, 2021Submitted:
January 26, 2021Zone or Region:
West NorthActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Heliotrope Ridge AreaObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a personElevation:
5500-7000 ft.Aspect:
NEComments:
A few windslabs up to size 2 released naturally, mostly on N-E facing terrain.Signs of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
Yes, WidespreadDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
NoObservations
Lots of wind today on Mt. Baker, shifting from South to East. Active loading near and above treeline was building touchy slabs. Widespread shooting cracks were observed pretty much anywhere wind loaded. slabs were generally 6-18 inches thick. A couple of large avalanches had released in the wind affected new snow, and many more smaller wind slabs had released as well. Ski quality was variable, especially above treeline, with the best skiing found on the margins of terrain features and forests near treeline where the wind had not blown quite as hard and the windblown snow was softer. Below treeline ski quality is poor and the forests are unskiable on the up and the down.
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