Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Zack Wentz
Observation Date:
March 21, 2021
Submitted:
March 21, 2021
Zone or Region:
West North
Activity:
Location:
Enchanted Forest & Bagley Lakes

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Widespread
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
No

Observations

Avalanche Obs: Widespread shooting cracks observed while breaking trail in the afternoon (after 1:30pm) on S facing exposed features at TL and above.

Snowpack Obs: Numerous hand shears in the AM saw moderate but resistant results on two separate storm density changes: 1) down 12cms and the 2) down 28cms. Density changes between layers are very small (4F- on surface layer, F+ on next lowest layer).

Weather Obs: Obscured vis in both AM & PM. S2 in AM & PM. Light winds from the SW in AM, trending to M-S in the PM on S facing slopes at treeline. Moderate blowing snow in the PM.

Riding conditions were amazing! Great to see more quality pow skiing happening this year!

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Storm Slab
Comments: 
Observed Location: Widespread in open areas at TL and above in the afternoon (after 1:30pm).
Potential Size: Up to D2
Likelihood of Triggering: Likely
Layer depth: Storm interface down approx. 12-15cms depending on extent of wind loading
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