Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 11, 2021
Submitted:
February 11, 2021
Zone or Region:
West Central
Activity:
Other
Location:
Mountain Loop Highway

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Got out in a helicopter this morning in the Mountain Loop area. I saw a number of natural slab avalanches, some of which looked relatively new (no snow on top) while some were larger older ones. The one on the west side of Three Fingers is a large old one which I suspect failed on the mid January persistent weak layer. I also saw some glide cracks and glide avalanches. Most avalanches were seen (or at least started) in the ATL zone.

Media

Glide cracks and glide avalanches which occurred on a smooth rock bed surface.
A very large natural slab avalanche which wrapped around the entire cirque on the west facing slope of 3 Fingers most likely failing on the persistent weak layer from mid January. Approx 6300ft start zones.
Glide Cracks
Natural slab avalanches along the east side of 3 Fingers area in the Mountain Loop Highway. These probably occurred after the most recent snowfall, in early February.
Natural avalanches which probably occurred early February on the east side of 3 Fingers. Start zones are at approx 6200ft.
Natural small loose dry (point release, sluff) avalanches off steep rocky spots from recent low density snowfall, and a crown is noticeable from a recent slab avalanche as well off Helena Peak.
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