Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Mt Rainier Nordic Patrol
Observation Date:
March 25, 2023
Submitted:
March 25, 2023
Zone or Region:
West South
Activity:
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Location:
Paradise parking to to the base of Pan Face, then descent via Edith Creek basin

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Traveled to avoid avvy terrain today. Lots of dry snow on top of the notable 3/25 crust. Calm winds, scattered sun breaks and snow showers. Lots of cornices on the usual east-facing/leeward slopes. Sun breaks were quite warm during mid day and the snow surface got noticeably heavier. Dug a quick pit on an east facing slope @1300 and did quick and dirty CT and ECT tests on just the snow above the 3/25 crust but did not get any propagation. Initiation was limited to the area under the shovel.

Looked like winter with all the snow plastered to the trees, the warm sun felt like spring.

Media

East facing slope, below and just south of Pan face.
From the base of Pan Face, looking up.
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