Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Enji CooperObservation Date:
November 19, 2021Submitted:
November 20, 2021Zone or Region:
Stevens PassActivity:
XC Skiing/SnowshoeingLocation:
Stevens In-bounds/sidecountry/backcountry (Cowboy Mountain->Big Chief)Triggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
NoAvalanche Type:
Dry Loose (Sluff)Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
Near treeline (5.2k'+)Aspect:
WComments:
Triggered a variety of stuffing issues with dry loose powder throughout the day with my snowshoes with fins. Purchase was difficult with my MSR Lightning Ascents with tails and I was sinking in deep heading up Cowboy Mountain, with the snow sliding causing me to slide downhill when doing steep sidehilling. The sluffing was isolated to the snow I disturbed.Observed Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Wet LooseSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
Near treeline (5.2k'+)Aspect:
WComments:
Observed pebble/rock sized small wet loose rollerballs and pinwheels rolling downhill when ascending up Cowboy Mountain, but when also traversing to Gemini [run]. There was a large degree of humidity (visible as fog) and throughout the day the snow seemed to be slightly closer to sleet.Signs of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
NoDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
Yes, IsolatedObservations
Observed a large number of small issues that may translate into some early season instability problems. What concerned me the most was actually the large amount of newly fallen snow (1'+ in areas), the wind transport into sheltered downhill areas, and the fact that tonight's weather was cold and clear (concern over large facets). I suspect/speculate that the top-layer, which was exhibiting some degree of strong over weak (weak ~2' consolidation over dry powder) may become our first weak interface of the season, unless weather/conditions change.
A lot of boulders/early season terrain traps were exposed though, so hopefully this will all be consolidated/buried.
Snowshoes were sinking in 2'+ along the traverse in areas from Cowboy to Gemini and from Gemini to Double Diamond chair.
My snowshoe partner and I avoided slopes that were obviously unstable. I was incredibly reluctant to continue over to Big Chief because the slope angles were well over 35° and the runout was extremely poor.
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