Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Eric GObservation Date:
February 28, 2021Submitted:
March 1, 2021Zone or Region:
East NorthActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Upper Lost River, Ptarmigan Peak areaObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Wet LooseSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
5,500ftAspect:
SComments:
Loose wet slide on a 35-40 degree south aspect on a forested slope. Numerous smaller slides on west and southwest aspects at similar elevations mid day.Photo:
Signs of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
Generally thin snowpack from billy goat trailhead to cougar lake along upper lost river drainage and lower ptarmigan creek between 4,000-6,000ft. South aspects sometimes melted to bare ground. One snow pit we dug at 4,400ft was 2ft deep. Ridge on many trails peak and between Dot and Ptarmigan generally scoured to rock, as were upper west faces above treeline between 7,500ft-8,600ft. Strong west wind transporting snow across ridges Saturday night (enough to almost knock me over). No evidence of any recent avalanches above treeline on east, north, or west aspects.