Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 4, 2021
Submitted:
February 4, 2021
Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie Pass
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Snow Lake Divide

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
No
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
4,900
Aspect:
NE
Comments:
Small, d1 wind/storm slab avalanche triggered by skier above Snow Lake. 6" depth
Photo:

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
Aspect:
Comments:

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Terrain: Snow Lake summer trail approach to Snow Lake Divide 0720-1300 hrs. Skied N- NE slope to Snow Lake (appx. 600 vertical feet). Returned via regular Snow Lake approach

Snowpack: There was 6-12" of new snow on top of the 2/1 crust. Shallow slabs were failing on this thin 2/1 crust, resulting in widespread and touchy activity

Weather: Sky Condition: Obscured. Precipitation/Rate: Light snowfall in AM transitioning to moderate snowfall in PM. Blowing Snow: Moderate. Wind Speed/ Dir: Moderate/ NW.

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
Widespread, D1, likely, 2/1 thin crust, 4-8"
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