Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Matt PrimomoObservation Date:
December 19, 2021Submitted:
December 19, 2021Zone or Region:
Stevens PassActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Lanham Lake zoneObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a personElevation:
3,800-5,700Aspect:
Comments:
We found evidence of a widespread storm slab cycle during the storm on 12/18. Most avalanches appeared to be D1.5-2's but a few were D2.5. Crowns were 40-50cm deep and often very wide. I got an up close look at one crown on an E aspect at 5,600ft above Henry Creek. It appeared to have failed on the old snow/new snow interface but it was difficult to discern.Signs of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
Storm snow was still inverted in most areas we traveled, but appeared to be settling out nicely. Couldn't get much cracking or snow to move on test slopes. Some recent wind drifting had formed 4F slabs over very low density snow, and we mostly avoided these areas.
A very thin sleet crust was found at the surface above 5,200ft, with small surface hoar growing on it in a couple places right at a ridgetop around 5,500ft.
Photos:
1. D2 from the E Bowl of Mt Mastiff
2. D2.5 from the SE Face of Rock Mtn
3. D2.5 from a NW aspect in the Chiwaukums
4. Looking down the flank of a D2 into Henry Creek. SE at 5,600ft
5. Crown of the slide from photo 4, SE at 5,600ft
Media
