Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Enji CooperObservation Date:
March 8, 2023Submitted:
March 8, 2023Zone or Region:
West NorthActivity:
XC Skiing/SnowshoeingLocation:
Damnation CreekObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Wet LooseSize:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a personElevation:
BTLAspect:
SWComments:
Saw some days old D1-D1.5 avalanche debris came off of sunny exposed aspects.Signs of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
NoDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
Yes, IsolatedObservations
Our group attempted to get up Damnation Peak via the winter standard route.
This morning’s snowshoeing before 10:30 was ok, but it became miserable for snowshoeing after 10:30. Our group of 5 had a number of issues with tree wells, creek holes, and spring hazards. 1 in our party fell into a 3’ deep hole with one of his legs.
Our party turned around at the major creek crossing because there was no safe crossing. The only potential crossing was over tree branches suspended 10’+ mid-air; our group might have attempted crossing there if we hadn’t looked at the creek crossing from the side because it looked deceivingly inviting.
Our qualitative observations matched the beta I received from someone in Marblemount in regard to a group turning around at Ruby Mt due to creek hole issues.
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