Observation: Public
Observation Details
Observation Date:
March 27, 2021Submitted:
March 28, 2021Zone or Region:
Stevens PassActivity:
XC Skiing/SnowshoeingLocation:
Jove PeakObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Hard SlabSize:
Size 3: Could bury and destroy a car, damage a truck, destroy a wood frame house, or break a few treesElevation:
5800 feetAspect:
SComments:
From a distance, saw two skiers trigger three slab avalanches when traversing across the south face of Jove Mountain, approximately 100 feet from the summit. The largest had an estimate crown of 30 feet, tracking down approximately 1400 feet to a debris field of around 200 feet wide. There were obvious signs of active wind transport near summit and multiple cornices. Skiers managed to traverse across the mountain and descend safely into the trees.Photo:
Signs of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
We traveled along Smithbrook Road and ascended to Union Peak. It was sunnier than expected and snow was quite slushy with rollerballs and small loose wet slides on sun-exposed slopes. At approximately 250 feet from the summit, the snow became firm. Decided not to ascend Jove and diverted to the east ridge of Union. While there, we observed the skiers who triggered the avalanches.