Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 28, 2021
Submitted:
January 28, 2021
Zone or Region:
West South
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Crystal Mountain Southback

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
No
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
6200
Aspect:
E
Comments:
D1 - very small, but unstable wind slabs on isolated ridge-like features. ~6 inches deep. Two ski lengths wide. Didn't travel far down hill.

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
6200
Aspect:
E
Comments:
Saw slightly larger slides on similar aspect (though more gully-like terrain). Looked like they were from wind loading.

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Observations

Skied from the King down Lizard Back Ridge. Headed E / SE to try to avoid the wind slab problem, but didn't quite avoid it due to gully-like features.

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