Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
A.MillerObservation Date:
December 26, 2021Submitted:
December 27, 2021Zone or Region:
West NorthActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
west of Hayes LakeTriggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
NoAvalanche Type:
Dry Loose (Sluff)Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
4,600 ft +/- 600 ftAspect:
NEComments:
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?
YesAvalanche Type:
Dry Loose (Sluff)Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
4,600 ftAspect:
NEComments:
Signs of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
Yes, WidespreadDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
NoObservations
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.