Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Adrian Nelson
Observation Date:
January 15, 2024
Submitted:
January 15, 2024
Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie Pass
Activity:
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Location:
Hex Mountain

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Snowpack was excellent up Hex today. Observed numerous snowmobile and ski tracks on all aspects without any triggered avalanches or cracks/whumphing, even on steep slopes.
No formal pit dug, but continual probing gave me a top soft layer about a foot deep on shaded terrain, S aspect; sun crust formed on unshaded S/E aspects about 4000 feet and above. Wind-loaded ridgeline was variable in depth; cornices were visible, no cracking observed but we stayed well away from the edges.

Media

Cornice on the SE slope of ridge up to Hex Mountain
Example of wind-loaded terrain, ESE aspect of ridge up to Hex Mountain

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Cornice
Comments: 
SE ridgeline, 3500' on up, D1/D2, likely if stood directly upon but stable 10-20' back from ridge, unknown layer depth/date (likely from recent 1/11-1/13 storms)
Observed Avalanche Problem #2: 

Comments: 
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