Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Dallas GlassObservation Date:
March 28, 2021Submitted:
March 28, 2021Zone or Region:
West SouthActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Tatoosh Range, Castle, Pinnacle, PlumnerObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Wet LooseSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
6200Aspect:
NEComments:
Lots of LW activity from 3/27 on nearly all aspects, up to D 1.5.Example: Loose Wet avalanches on the NE side of Castle Peak. Similar slides were seen on other slopes.
Photo:
Signs of Unstable Snow
Observations
Terrain: We traveled on the N side of the Tatoosh range between the Castle Saddle and Plumner Peak. This allowed us to observe most aspects below and near treeline.
Snowpack: Due N aspects still held soft settled snow. All other aspects had a melt freeze crust on the surface. The crust increased in thickness and supportability on SE-SW aspects. Upper snowpack generally strong and no layers of concern.
Winds increased around 1000hrs. Snowfall started at 1145hrs. Graupel fell during the early portion of the storm and did not appear to bond well to the 3/28 crust. Winds and snowfall intensity increased in the afternoon. Blowing snow and activity forming cornices were observed. Day time snow accumulation of 1-2" before we left the field at 1500hrs.
Weather: Overcast skies in the morning with generally good visibility became obscured by mid-day. Winds Moderate W in the morning becoming Strong and Extreme W in the afternoon. Observed snow levels close to 3000' in the afternoon.
Media
