Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
James SchickObservation Date:
February 2, 2021Submitted:
February 2, 2021Zone or Region:
East NorthActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Washington Pass / Portley BowlTriggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
NoAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a personElevation:
above treeline (7000')Aspect:
EComments:
This avalanche occurred on the lookers left side of the Portley Basin. Skier entered the basin and triggered a slide that propagated to the left of the skier. The crown extended approximately 200 feet across the slope and was approximately 1 foot deep. The slope was east facing and had been loaded by winds out of the west.Photo:
Signs of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
First ski team on the ridge released a cornice onto the slope to the lookers left of the slide and did not produce a response. This was used to justify skiing the slope. In truth the skied slope had an aspect that was up to 45 degrees further east from the slope tested by the cornice cut. A reminder to all to remain alert to seemingly minor changes in aspect and wind loading.