Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Enji CooperObservation Date:
May 12, 2023Submitted:
May 12, 2023Zone or Region:
West CentralActivity:
Walking/HikingLocation:
Whitehorse MtObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
OtherSize:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a personElevation:
4,175'Aspect:
NEComments:
Came close to a cornice fall (<100'). The time was ~6:15.Signs of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
Observed typical summer conditions.
There were small glide avalanches here and there. Many open creek holes and weakening snow bridges over creeks.
Snow started just past 3k'. Was mostly consolidated on top, with the "safest" area being the consolidated snowpack under the trees. The snow down lower was extremely sloppy and punchy, going through voids to ground and creeks.
Creeks and streams were flowing loudly before dawn.
Snow later on in the morning was softer and less consolidated. Very large sugary grains on top.
Our party turned around after the close call with the cornice. We heard some other snow/icefall as we were heading downslope, but we didn't visually observe the event.