Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:

Enji Cooper

Observation Date:

March 6, 2022

Submitted:

March 6, 2022

Zone or Region:

Stevens Pass

Activity:

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Location:

Jim Hill Mountain via Henry Creek

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches?

Yes

Avalanche Type:

Wet Loose

Size:

Size 3: Could bury and destroy a car, damage a truck, destroy a wood frame house, or break a few trees

Elevation:

6000

Aspect:

NE

Comments:

A lot of avalanche debris is present in the basin below the false summit of Jim Hill. The average size was D2, but there were some D2.5/D3 slides. The longest one ran about 1200’ and seemed to be caused by a 1’ deep wet slab.

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks?

No

Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing?

Yes, Isolated

Observations

Apart from what I’ve said above, the snow was great in the morning, out of the forest. Under the trees it was a mess (4”-6” postholing). Put on snowshoes above 4k’ to avoid sinking.

The ice up by the summit was garbage for climbing. It was fragile, hard, and there was soft snow underneath. It was a chore getting up 30’.

Very little shedding seems to have occurred today.

Media

Public Field Report: Jim Hill Mountain via Henry Creek

Public Field Report: Jim Hill Mountain via Henry Creek

Public Field Report: Jim Hill Mountain via Henry Creek

Public Field Report: Jim Hill Mountain via Henry Creek

Public Field Report: Jim Hill Mountain via Henry Creek

Public Field Report: Jim Hill Mountain via Henry Creek

Public Field Report: Jim Hill Mountain via Henry Creek

Public Field Report: Jim Hill Mountain via Henry Creek

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1:

Dry Loose

Comments:

Sluffing on the way down from the summit on the north side.

Observed Avalanche Problem #2:

Cornice

Comments:

Cornices were present on the N and E sides of ridges. Many had failed (and likely triggered the huge wet loose avy issues seen in the basin).

Observed Avalanche Problem #3:

Wind Slab

Comments:

Saw evidence of wind slabs in the bowl on the Henry Creek side in the shade.

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