Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Kaitlin
Observation Date:
March 17, 2023
Submitted:
March 17, 2023
Zone or Region:
Olympics
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Klahhane Bowl

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Wet Loose
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
6000
Aspect:
E
Comments:
Witnessed active wet loose point release which ran about 1000’ and entrained enough snow to consider calling it a D1.5

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Spent a full day in Klahhane Bowl. A stout crust greeted us on the approach to Victor’s Pass. Last night must have been very calm, as we observed larger (up to 1cm) surface hoar in a more widespread distribution than yesterday. Encountered cold dry snow in shaded areas and wet, sun affected snow on solar aspects. Interesting contrast of dry loose sluff in the shade and active wet loose releases in the sun. Kicked off very large roller balls on open south facing slopes while descending to the car. Tried to stick to the trees on the descent and found mashed potato snow in the shade on that southern aspect. Ridgeline winds seemed on the high end of light/low end of moderate and felt colder than yesterday’s airflow. Sun protection recommended!

Media

New loose wet releases
New loose wet releases
Large cornices to avoid in this warming weather

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Dry Loose
Comments: 
Kicked off manageable sluffs in shaded chutes but these could accumulate and cause problems in the right/wrong terrain
WordPress Lightbox