Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Hilary GrohObservation Date:
January 27, 2021Submitted:
January 27, 2021Zone or Region:
West NorthActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Swift Creek & 10 Minute TreesTriggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
NoAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
4500Aspect:
EComments:
A skier in our party triggered a small wind slab, about 10 'wide, 3-4" deep, that ran for about 15'.Photo:
Observed Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Dry Loose (Sluff)Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
4500Aspect:
WComments:
Natural dry point releases were observed on west aspects of Swift Creek on terrain steeper than 40 degrees. They were very shallow, less than 2' wide, and ran 25-50'.Signs of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
Our group traveled from Heather Meadows to Swift Creek. Visibility was very challenging if you were out in the open. Moderate snowfall throughout the day and moderate winds from the S (little to no wind once you dropped into Swift). Ski quality was great, with anywhere from 4-24" of blower on top of the firm crust. Many signs of wind transported snow at higher elevations. The visibility improved just enough for our group to do one lap in 10 Minute trees on our way out. The slightly steeper terrain and increased wind loading made the snow more reactive. One rider triggered a shallow wind slap that was 3- 4" deep, 25' wide, and ran 150-200'.