Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Matt KurjanowiczObservation Date:
March 11, 2023Submitted:
March 11, 2023Zone or Region:
Stevens PassActivity:
Location:
Solstice Gulley, Nason Ridge, ~4400’Triggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
NoAvalanche Type:
Wet LooseSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
4400Aspect:
SComments:
A few inches deep, ran on a crust (we think the crust 4-8” down). Caught 1 skier for 10’. No burials. Ran ~25 vertical feet. Point release from ski turn propagated to ~50 feet wide at widest. ~11am . 35-40 degree slope? Did not hang around to let it get any warmer.Signs of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
What was blower snow in the morning turned into heavy wet powder as the day warmed up. We dug a quick pit on ascent and found light storm snow (2-3”) then more solid storm snow over an ice crust and then 12+” of 4F snow above another ice crust (at 4000’, S facing).
We did a second lap in the trees up to solstice trees. Found the snow quite enjoyable there starting at around 4000’ with 12-24” ski penetration at 5000’. Similar aspect and spot as above, just all heavy trees pointing to the significant difference the sun makes.
Light snow occasionally thru the day. Light winds.