Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Brian RichterObservation Date:
February 3, 2021Submitted:
February 3, 2021Zone or Region:
Stevens PassActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
SmithbrookObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Wet LooseSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
4500'Aspect:
SComments:
Small loose wet avalanches observed on the south slopes of Union peak above Smithbrook road observed in the PM.Photo:
Signs of Unstable Snow
Observations
Travelled in the Smithbrook road/drainage area between 3.2k and 5.1k. Snow depth above crust varied from about 2" of light, dry snow in AM at lower elevations to 12-16" between 4.4k and 5.1k on S to SE facing slopes in wind-sheltered terrain resulting in pleasant travel conditions throughout the day. Snow was mostly dry and unconsolidated except for on the most southerly and steeper slopes where it got a little more moist. Observed rollerballs in AM on south slopes of Union above Smithbrook Road and small wet loose avalanches had released throughout the day that we observed on our way out in the PM. Saw signs of previous westerly-wind transport looking up at the SE ridge of McCausland. No other signs of unstable snow observed. Few clouds in the AM increased to scattered in the PM.