Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:

Enji Cooper

Observation Date:

May 7, 2023

Submitted:

May 12, 2023

Zone or Region:

East Central

Activity:

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Location:

Big Jim Mt via Hatchery Creek

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches?

Yes

Avalanche Type:

Wet Loose

Size:

Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person

Elevation:

5.6k'

Aspect:

N

Comments:

Saw a cornice fail from a distance, resulting in slides down to one of the tarns adjacent to Lake Augusta.

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks?

No

Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing?

Yes, Isolated

Observations

Summer came early to the area. There was a fair bit of melting in the area, glide avalanches appeared to have fallen recently with south slopes along the ridge to Big Jim being largely bare.
Snow was extremely punchy during the day (when exposed to sun) and refroze after dark. It was refreeze crust over facets in areas and Cascade Concrete in others.
Near treeline/below treeline snowpack (in the burn zone) was punchy and there were plenty of "hidden treasures" that we found with our snowshoes.

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1:

Wet Loose

Comments:

Surface layer of snow exhibited wet loose characteristics (baseball sized rollerballs).

Observed Avalanche Problem #2:

Cornice

Comments:

Cornices and old cornice crowns were visible on north aspects of slopes.

Observed Avalanche Problem #3:

Comments:

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