Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Enji CooperObservation Date:
May 7, 2023Submitted:
May 12, 2023Zone or Region:
East CentralActivity:
XC Skiing/SnowshoeingLocation:
Big Jim Mt via Hatchery CreekObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Wet LooseSize:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a personElevation:
5.6k'Aspect:
NComments:
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?
NoDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
Yes, IsolatedObservations
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.