Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
A.Miller
Observation Date:
December 26, 2021
Submitted:
December 27, 2021
Zone or Region:
West North
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
west of Hayes Lake

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
No
Avalanche Type:
Dry Loose (Sluff)
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
4,600 ft +/- 600 ft
Aspect:
NE
Comments:
widespread natural dry loose slides on all aspects. Human triggered dry loose slides on most slopes. Skier triggered loose slides on many rollover features.

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Dry Loose (Sluff)
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
4,600 ft
Aspect:
NE
Comments:

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Widespread
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
No

Observations

From Bagley Lakes over Herman Saddle and beyond the Iceberg Lakes, few areas of wind affected snow. Mostly loose dry slides on all aspects. Storm layers at approx. 15 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm down were clearly seen. The upper most storm layer failed easily in compression, CT easy at 15cm. Extended column negative. We stayed on slopes less than 35 degrees, except for a few short steeper sections. Loose slides remained small and did not propagate. Cracking was widespread but no whumpfing. Cracks extended in front of skier in direction of travel, causing a unusual and eerie rippling effect on the surface. Wind slabs seen at crest of Herman Saddle but most of snow surface was delightfully fluffy and not impacted by wind.

WordPress Lightbox