Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
David GObservation Date:
April 22, 2023Submitted:
April 22, 2023Zone or Region:
West SouthActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Crystal Sidecountry, Silver Basin, FFFObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Wet LooseSize:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a personElevation:
6000'Aspect:
NWComments:
Wet loose slide starting in Gunsight into upper third of Gunbarrel.Signs of Unstable Snow
Observations
Took the long way to FFF (hippie terrain north of Three-way Peak). We skinned the Silver Creek trail up to Bear Gap, down to Henskin Lake, then up to FFF. It was mostly cloudy with the occasional sun break. No precipitation other than the slow drizzle from the snow melting from the trees.
Along the way, we observed wet loose avalanches. Not the ever present rollerballed slopes (as one would expect on a warm or sunny day) but the distinct fanout pattern of natural wet slides triggered below rocky outcroppings or the occasional large tree bomb on steeper, named runs (see pictures).
FFF rode like a wet sock. Ended up skinning downhill to the top of Quicksilver. Counterintuitively, east faces probably would have rode better, with their dense crusts perfectly ripened by the warm, humid ambient air.
Spring is finally here folks. Large cornice failures will probably only add to the mess next week. Lower temps will only create frozen minefields. It's time to go higher. Luckily, the roads will open soon.
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