Observation: Public

Observation Details

Triggered Avalanches

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

The snowpack was right side up, but had no real stability in the upper layers. I steered clear of areas where my trekking poles and snowshoes sank in more than 1' in leeward areas because the snow was prepared to slide.

I groomed all of the storm snow off a steep uphill side to reduce probability of getting pushed downhill when I disturbed it (and also to build a bench). This revealed more consolidated snow much further down (past the first 2 storm layers). It resembled buried wind fetch, i.e., was firm, broke off as a column when I exerted force, and was very consolidated. The part that I found interesting about this qualitative observation was the way it broke; since I didn't do an ICT/ECT, I can't say for certain if it's a layer of concern.

I also intentionally triggered a partial cornice failure to get a better view of a potential downclimb route from a crux area along the ridge spine. The cornice was a bit stubborn and the failure resulted in a non-propagating failure (only the area that I impacted fell).

Sliding down the ridge definitely entrained snow--which was nice since it slowed me down. This was my primary worry today, which is in alignment with the forecast yesterday.

Observed widespread wind texturing/chutes on NW facing slopes on West Granite from the Pratt Mountain summit ridge. Unfortunately I didn't get a great picture of the slope.

Tree bombs were falling earlier on in the day; consistency was dry, due to cold temperature.

Weather was broken sky at the trailhead, became mostly sunny along the trail, was obscured up near the summit, then became mostly sunny and cold. Wind was very calm (<5 mph).