Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Andy GoodwinObservation Date:
March 22, 2023Submitted:
March 22, 2023Zone or Region:
West SouthActivity:
Walking/HikingLocation:
Mt St Helens Worm Flows RouteObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Wet LooseSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
4500Aspect:
SEComments:
Triggered by a small cornice failure. Probably ran Tuesday. No other signs of recent activity.Signs of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
The sun was out until late morning, then clouds got denser and lower until light snow started at around 2 PM. At 3 PM, snow from 3600-5500' was warm and soft with boots sinking 6-12". At 5500-7500', there was no sign of melting by 3pm. There was a crust 2-4 cm thick that often popped off and slid down the mountain as climbers passed. Above 7500', there was no crust and just a deep layer of soft snow. Boots often sank a foot or more. At 8200', there was an icy crust about a meter down but no signs on instability.
Note: The road to Marble Mtn was nicely plowed today, but NOAA is forecasting 2-3' of snow there from Wednesday night through Saturday morning. The road may be in rough shape this weekend.
Media
