Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Emil Ortiz
Observation Date:
March 10, 2023
Submitted:
March 10, 2023
Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie Pass
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Chair Peak

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Isolated
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
No

Observations

Shooting cracks, wind slab with some hallow feeling underneath. Dug 3 hand shears on chair peak basin. One on the lower apron that had 0 Concerns. At 4800 dug two more on the NE aspect and found a deep 2.5-3 foot slab on top of a graupel layer that did come out with ease. We rode an adjacent chute that the only had a small wind slab layer with a solid amount of sluff that my partner and I were able to release and manage well.

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Dry Loose
Comments: 
4300 feet NE aspect
Observed Avalanche Problem #2: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
4300 feet NE aspect about 3 inches deep
Observed Avalanche Problem #3: 
Deep Persistent Slab
Comments: 
3 feet deep on top of a graupel layer NE later 4800 feet.
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