Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Tatsu o
Observation Date:
February 27, 2023
Submitted:
February 27, 2023
Zone or Region:
East Central
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
N Howard

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Started with 4 to 6"fresh down low at around 2800ft.

As we got higher, HN started to stack up. By the time we ditched sleds, there was a foot of fresh snow.

We traveled through well spaced second growth forest. Below 4k, there was a stout crust to be felt below the foot of low density unconsolidated powder.

Our high point was around 5.6k. the Superbowl crust was anywhere from 1.5' to 2.5' down. All the show above was right side up unconsolidated. A quick and dirty cst revealed the storm snow to progressively collapse/fall apart. Above and below the Superbowl crust was some loud pow, or sugary snow observed, but the crust surface seemed non planar.

The trees we skied seemed to cut out the wind and softly deposit the snow. As we rounded a shoulder to a more west aspect, we noticed more tree bombs that fell and a wind skin, or the beginnings of a wind slap.

Open slopes consistently had about 2.5 to 3ft of fresh.

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Dry Loose
Comments: 
Below tree line on slopes and 40 degrees
Observed Avalanche Problem #2: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
At and above treeline
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