Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Jack Scanlan
Observation Date:
February 13, 2021
Submitted:
February 13, 2021
Zone or Region:
West North
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Herman Saddle

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
5500
Aspect:
NW
Comments:
Natural/ possible remote trigger from walking adjacent ridgeline, rapid loading from SSW.
Photo:

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Widespread
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
Yes, Widespread

Observations

Strong wind and heavy snow transport from SSE

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
On Leeward aspects wind slabs ranging from 2-14" deep
Observed Avalanche Problem #2: 
Deep Persistent Slab
Comments: 
Heard an exceptionally audible whumph and observed deep shooting crack on an adjacent slope from a treed ridge when another party began to skin out onto a WNW aspect
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