Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
John RaceObservation Date:
January 2, 2022Submitted:
January 2, 2022Zone or Region:
Stevens PassActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Arrowhead - Henry CreekTriggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
4900Aspect:
NWComments:
Received about 2” of new snow while touring on Arrowhead Peak. No wind slab structure in new snow that fell during day. Began touring before it started snowing and observed very large surface hoar (20mm) and very large stellar (8mm) on surface. As snow accumulated this interface between the old snow and new snow interface quickly became very touchy and produced slab avalanches in any slope steeper than high 30s. Surprisingly reactive and able to propagate given lack of slab structure in new snow, which fell with either calm or light West winds. Very consistently observed on all aspects between 4900 and 2700. This seems like it will release at lower angles if the load increases and has the possibility to be preserved if wind comes next.Signs of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
Yes, WidespreadDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
NoObservations
Right this minute this is not a problem. With additional load We should see a widespread avalanche cycle if we get enough snow.