Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Jeni JensenObservation Date:
December 18, 2021Submitted:
December 18, 2021Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie PassActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Alpental valleyObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
3800 ftAspect:
SWComments:
Multiple (4-5) 10-30 feet crowns & debris to depth of ~10 cm noticed to occur naturally between 12:00 -1:30 pm with rising temps in undisturbed terrain, @ 35 degrees above source lake, at tree line.ECT - q1 at the 10 cm deep layer & Q2 at the ~60 cm deep layer.
Signs of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
Yes, WidespreadDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
NoObservations
Traveled with AIARE II group from Alpental to 3800 north east of Source lake. Alpental valley continues to have early season coverage presenting some challenges at creek crossings, and superficially cover of willows and alders. Leave time ~10am- return at ~430, no rain or obvious wind, copious freezing rain/grapel/snow, temperatures increased slightly around 1-2, no signs of wet-loose warnings signs. Shooting cracks observed in association with skier travel. Natural avalanches observed
Another group reported a D1 triggered by a skier several hundred feet down-track of mushroom rock . The skier remained upright and moved with the snow a meter or so, unharmed.