Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Alex EngelObservation Date:
March 5, 2023Submitted:
March 5, 2023Zone or Region:
Stevens PassActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Lichtenberg MountainObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Dry Loose (Sluff)Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
5400Aspect:
SWComments:
Multiple size 1-2 dry loose avalanches on SW, NW aspects, beginning under cliffs or cornices on slopes > 40°.Depth: ~1 ft
Length: 40-100 yds
Width: 20-40 ft
Signs of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
Started at Yodelin at 8:30am with Lichtenberg as a tentative destination depending on conditions. Took the route up the SW aspect in the trees along Nason creek. Once we arrived at the plateau at ~4800-4900ft, saw the avalanche activity described above.
Dug a pit at 4850' ft and found relatively stable snowpack with two apparent weak layers, one at 25cm just under the recent snowfall which broke after 5 thumps from the elbow and one at 85cm that broke after 6 thumps from overhead. Travelled a bit farther over a ridge to further evaluate conditions and decided to call it after more evidence of sloughing.
Skied down at about 11:30, great skiing with a sun crust starting to form at lower elevations.
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