Observation: Public

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 

Cornice

Comments: 

We encountered a ~40ft deep glide crack / snow crevasse on the main boot pack on the Shuksan Arm where human foot traffic is heaviest. The crack is forming as a very large cornice begins its pulling away / creep from a cliff face towards its imminent collapse. The crack is about 20 feet behind the visible edge of the cornice. Of primary concern is that the boot pack travels directly over the top of the cornice where it overhangs the cliff and slope. It could collapse with many people / parties walking on top of it. Also, falling into the crack could prove a serious situation, as the danger of a long fall to becoming wedged and trapped is a real one, particularly considering that almost no backcountry travelers in this area carry ropes or crevasse rescue gear.