Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Dan SandersObservation Date:
February 21, 2021Submitted:
February 21, 2021Zone or Region:
Stevens PassActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Grace LakesTriggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
NoAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
4500'Aspect:
NComments:
North aspect about 4500 feet at Grace Lakes area. Slabs were breaking with every step skinning on skis. About 5-6 inches deep, so the new warmer wet snow from last night (2/20) and today (2/21) is not at all bonded with the lighter dryer snow beneath it. These slabs were in sheltered treed areas (see the photos) but you can imagine these slabs being deeper on wind-loaded terrain, or way bigger/wider on more open terrain. These slabs were low consequence, but as more snow accumulates, or if these slabs trigger larger avalanches, they could be destructive. Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e234Wp9uadkSigns of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
Yes, IsolatedDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
Yes, IsolatedObservations
North aspect about 4500 feet at Grace Lakes area. Slabs were breaking with every step skinning on skis. About 5-6 inches deep, so the new warmer wet snow from last night (2/20) and today (2/21) is not at all bonded with the lighter dryer snow beneath it. These slabs were in sheltered treed areas (see the photos) but you can imagine these slabs being deeper on wind-loaded terrain, or way bigger/wider on more open terrain. These slabs were low consequence, but as more snow accumulates, or if these slabs trigger larger avalanches, they could be destructive.
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e234Wp9uadk
Media
