Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Robin PenderyObservation Date:
March 19, 2021Submitted:
March 19, 2021Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie PassActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Snoqualmie MountainObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
OtherSize:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a personElevation:
Below TreelineAspect:
NEComments:
Old Glide avalanche visible towards Alpental, and numerous glide cracks visible throughout the backcountryPhoto:
Signs of Unstable Snow
Observations
On sunny slopes, we found 1-2 cm of new snow over a crust. This crust was boot supportable in some areas, and punchy in others. Over the course of the day, sun and warming consolidated this new snow, and by midday we could generate roller balls while skiing. In many areas, ski or boot crampons were necessary.
On shaded slopes, we found 2-3 cm of new snow over a boot supportable crust. The new snow was generally well bonded to the old snow, although we were able to trigger small dry loose avalanches and had to manage our sluff in steep terrain.
We found evidence of wind transport in areas near ridgelines. Despite the wind texture and slightly stiff snow, we were unable to find wind slabs in the terrain we were in. Small test slopes produced cracks immediately under my skis, but no shooting cracks (no propagation).
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