Observation: Public

Name:

Ryan Minton

Observation Date:

March 11, 2023

Submitted:

March 11, 2023

Zone or Region:

Stevens Pass

Activity:

Skiing/Snowboarding

Location:

Rock Mountain

Did you observe any avalanches?

Yes

Avalanche Type:

Hard Slab

Size:

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

Elevation:

6800’

Aspect:

N

Comments:

North aspect of Rock Mountain, crown originating just below summit, spanning an estimated 150-200m, suspect 2-3m deep in spots, debris observed to have run down to 5k through lower angle trees

None reported

Avalanche observed as above, HS-N-D3+-R4-O, on north face of Rock. Observed no other avalanches, very slight wind affect at ridge level with localized cracking under our skies, no widespread windslab formation (caveat being we did not travel higher than 6200, it is possible there was wind slab formation higher up). Snow stayed cold and dry to the 3.5k level, wet and warm below that. Day was characterized by light westerly winds and in and out clouds with sun breaks later in the day.

North face Rock Mountain, avalanche presumed to have occurred naturally on 3/10 or overnight 3/10-11

Debris observed below north face of Rock Mountain, from 6k.

Debris observed below north face of Rock Mountain, from 5.5k