Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Lindsey Fell
Observation Date:
February 27, 2021
Submitted:
February 27, 2021
Zone or Region:
Mt Hood
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Elk Mountain, about 5 mi east of Mt. Hood summit

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
No
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
5500 ft
Aspect:
NE
Comments:
Soft storm slab sympathetically triggered from nearby snowfall that failed on a weak sun crust 30-60cm below snow surface. Skier 1 knocked large amount of snow off of tree to clear path for travel --> small point release below tree --> sympathetic release around ridge behind traveler.
Photo:

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Collapsing and whumpfing observed on SE-E-NE steep, non-treed terrain in 5400-5600 ft range.

Media

Image of crown, measuring 30-60 cm at face. Snowfall from tree occurred climber's right of slide in trees.
Looking down at debris.
Climber's left crown face. 1F- crust as bed surface.
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