Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Steven R
Observation Date:
April 23, 2023
Submitted:
April 23, 2023
Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie Pass
Activity:
Other
Location:
Putrid Pete’s Peak traverse to Mt. Defiance

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
No
Avalanche Type:
Other
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
5000ft
Aspect:
SW
Comments:
On the SW side of the ridgeline, while traversing, opposite a cornice near some rock, triggered a large cornice failure after plunging my ice into the snow. Heard a loud whump and it dropped. Couldn’t see it entirely, but must have been at least D2.

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

In general, in west aspects, the snow was very wet and hard to have traction in (wore crampons on part of the climb, switched to snow shoes, both were difficult).

Didn’t see any roller balls, but I would not go up again given the further warming expected this week.

Weather was on and off light to medium rain, some sun breaks in the afternoon, mostly heavily clouded though.

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Cornice
Comments: 
Triggered a large cornice failure at 5000ft after plunging an ice axe to self belay a good 30-40ft opposite the cornice. Was surprised it went, but the snow was very wet and melting at this elevation.
Observed Avalanche Problem #2: 
Wet Loose
Comments: 
Some wet loose was triggered by us while glissading at around 4000ft, very wet snow but only the top 5-6 of snow slid and collected. Only D1 in size, and dangerous if it pushed you towards trees at speed or started higher up with exposure.
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