Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Ryan Minton
Observation Date:
February 24, 2023
Submitted:
February 24, 2023
Zone or Region:
Stevens Pass
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Tye Peak zone

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
5200
Aspect:
N
Comments:
Steep terrain below cliff faces (loaded in from recent east winds) with multiple presumed natural wind slab releases.

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Isolated
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
No

Observations

Traveled in Tye Peak/Tye Lake zone up to 5400 feet on E/N/W aspects, discovering fairly widespread breakable windboard (1-5cm in thickness) making for challenging ski conditions. Temps remained cold under clear skies with winds out of the S/SE. Southerly slopes above pass level remained cold and non sun affected through mid day.

Isolated, small shooting cracks in steeper wind loaded terrain, otherwise test slopes producing no results.

Observed two presumed natural wind slab avalanches in Skyline West bowl, occurring in the last 48hrs (not present on 2/22).

Media

Two presumed natural windslabs in Skyline Bowl West.
Widespread wind affect, Skyline Lake
Skyline Ridge road, 4800 feet
Widespread wind affect, 4500 feet, south aspect, Skyline Ridge
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