Observation: Public

Name:

Matthew Harman

Observation Date:

April 2, 2023

Submitted:

April 3, 2023

Zone or Region:

Snoqualmie Pass

Activity:

Walking/Hiking

Location:

Old Commonwealth Trail / Commonwealth Basin Trail / Red Mountain

Did you observe any avalanches?

Yes

Avalanche Type:

Wet Loose

Size:

Size 1: Relatively harmless to people

Elevation:

Aspect:

Comments:

None reported

Our group attempted to summit Red Mountain on 4/2/2023. The group dug a pit test at 3200' which indicated a large loose 12" layer of new snowfall on top of a ~3" crust. We made the decision to turn back around 4900' due to a weak surface layer on top of hard crust. The new snowfall was largely concentrated will "ball bearing snow" and began consolidating when hit by the sun.

While descending, a small slide was seen on near Kendall Peak at ~4500'.

Public Field Report: Old Commonwealth Trail / Commonwealth Basin Trail / Red Mountain