Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Matt CrislerObservation Date:
February 20, 2021Submitted:
February 20, 2021Zone or Region:
West SouthActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Mount Rainier - Eagle Peak Trail AreaObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a personElevation:
5500Aspect:
WComments:
3 similar avalanches were observed on the west facing slopes south of Chutla Peak. Crowns and other characteristics were not observed due to limited visibility, but it appears they were limited to the new snow and ran in the range of 400-500'.Photo:
Signs of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
Toured up Eagle Peak trail from Longmire to ~5300'. Above ~5000' in relatively open areas, signs of wind effect were observed though very slight in the areas we traveled (mostly in the trees). Above 4000' we had ~10 cm ski penetration in new snow over a firm, but not hard layer. In some areas, the most recent 4-5 cm was not well bonded and would shear easily in hand shears, but was not consolidated enough to break widely as a slab. Overall a great day to be in the trees - though they did present their own danger with some massive tree bombs releasing when the trees were moved around a bit by the wind. In some cases these were bringing down large branches with them.
Media
