Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
NH-SObservation Date:
December 8, 2021Submitted:
December 8, 2021Zone or Region:
Stevens PassActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Stevens PassTriggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
5300'Aspect:
EComments:
Wind-loading at ridgeline showed cracking on the recent freezing rain crust/new snow interface.Signs of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
-5C, overcast sky, S-1 to S1 with moderate to strong winds and light transport BTL/intense transport ATL. HS was 65-75cm with HST 15-25cm at 5000' on a sheltered west aspect. Snowpack was stripped to the recent rain crust on wind affected aspects (unsheltered terrain with a W tilt) with leeward loading (anything with an E tilt) at ridgeline/NTL. Recent wet grains and crusts appear to be unreactive under current load although storm interface is atop yesterday's freezing rain crust.
Low snow coverage, emerging vegetation, rocks, etc. are likely to provide substantial hazard, even as the forecasted storms roll through and freshen up the 'pack.