Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Kurt HicksObservation Date:
January 30, 2021Submitted:
January 30, 2021Zone or Region:
East CentralActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Wedge MountainObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a personElevation:
4000'Aspect:
NWComments:
Multiple, recent natural persistent slab avalanches near 4000' on a NW aspect that appeared to have failed above the 1/14 crust, likely in faceted snow (no profiles were dug). These avalanches propagated widely (across entire features) and crowns averaged about 12" deep. No windloading in these locations.Photo:
Signs of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
Yes, IsolatedDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
Yes, WidespreadObservations
Widespread whumphing, collapses, and cracking today on NE, E, SE, NW, and N aspects above 4000'. No whumphing heard on northerly terrain, but that doesn't mean much with recent natural avalanches in this terrain. Shooting cracks up to 10 meters today on small, steep slopes (35+ degrees, NW, 4200').
We avoided slopes over 35 degrees, overhead exposure, and large terrain features. Poor visibility limited observations and terrain choices today.