Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Steven DeLair
Observation Date:
March 27, 2021
Submitted:
March 28, 2021
Zone or Region:
Olympics
Activity:
Walking/Hiking
Location:
Mt Ellinor

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Wet Loose
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
Above treeline
Aspect:
E
Comments:
Observed evidence of some past Wet loose avalanches( d1) on slopes above 35degrees. Sorry , didn't get a picture.

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Left early to avoid traveling the chute in the afternoon, only two other small parties besides mine at that time. Coming down we were surprised to see the crowds. Saw over 20 people that were just getting to the bottom of the chute at noon and were planning to travel upwards. The chute was good in the morning with little sun exposure and just us traveling it. We traveled quickly by large trees as they were starting to drop large snow/ ice balls from the sun.

Media

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Wet Loose
Comments: 
Observed evidence of some past Wet loose avalanches( d1) on slopes above 35degrees.
Observed Avalanche Problem #2: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
Observed evidence of wind drifted snow along ridge line. Saw evidence of a very small natural wind slab avalanche (D1) on the northwest aspect of the summit
Observed Avalanche Problem #3: 
Cornice
Comments: 
large drooping cornices still very present on summit.
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