Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Jeff Metsky
Observation Date:
February 27, 2023
Submitted:
February 27, 2023
Zone or Region:
East North
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
hairpin valley

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Dry Loose (Sluff)
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
ATL and NTL
Aspect:
NE
Comments:
2 40-45 degree convex rollovers. poor bonding between MFcr and new low density snow, 15-20cm deep. 15-25' wide. ran approximately 75'.

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Dry Loose (Sluff)
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
ATL and NTL
Aspect:
NE
Comments:
1st liberty slide path size D1.5. overran road surface. couldn't see start zone.
multiple D1s off steep cliff faces in spire gully area
upper spire gully: D1.5 ran from near entrance to start of bootpack approx. 150' view partially obscured by falling snow/clouds. most likely occurred early this morning. Not yet covered by late AM snow showers.

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

traveled near and above tree line. did not find any wind or storm slabs. no shooting cracks or collapsing in 10-15 cm of new snow from the last 36 hrs. new low density snow made for a nice storm day travel. winds were light out of the NNE, some gusts in the moderate range. didn't observe any wind transported snow along the surface, however, there were signs of snow transport overnight. skies started SCT, but became OVC by 1000. snowfall rate up to S1 by mid day.

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Dry Loose
Comments: 
hairpin valley. up to D1.5. natural, reactive to ski cuts, entrained new HST storm and from previous 36 hrs.
WordPress Lightbox