Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Benson MillerObservation Date:
March 21, 2021Submitted:
March 22, 2021Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie PassActivity:
XC Skiing/SnowshoeingLocation:
Bessemer Road, Moolock MountainObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Hard SlabSize:
Size 4: Could destroy a railway car, large truck, several buildings, or a substantial amount of forestElevation:
4600Aspect:
SEComments:
We saw evidence, in a brief moment of visibility, of a deep slab avalanche to the Southwest of Moolock summit, on the Southeast face of the bowl between Moolock and the next prominence (~4700 ft). Crown estimated 6-8 feet with a length of several hundred feet. This feels consistent with other deep slab events observations that we've read over the past weeks (e.g., Chair Peak) and we assumed that the timing of the slide was similar to those events.Signs of Unstable Snow
Observations
My partner and I ascended Moolock Mountain yesterday via Bessemer Road. There was recent snow accumulation overnight and during the day, which covered rollerballs and pinwheels that likely occurred during warmer weather last week. Above 4000ft, the surface snow is perhaps 24" deep and unconsolidated. We found some areas where this surface snow was sitting on a surface of ice and would slide easily, but did not behave as a slab. We ascended from ~4200 feet via the East ridge. As we ascended, the North side of the ridge was heavily corniced through its entire length. Low visibility made it difficult to see the North-aspect slopes below the cornices, but we had clearer views of the South (windward) slope which had some small and localized wind texturing. South winds were moderate with frequent stronger gusts. We witnessed a lot of snow transport above 4500 feet, filling our snowshoe tracks within ~15 minutes.
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