Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Kyle O'Donnell
Observation Date:
January 2, 2022
Submitted:
January 2, 2022
Zone or Region:
West South
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
White pass

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
5400
Aspect:
E
Comments:
4-6 in crown on the eastern aspect of a small steep feature (38 degrees). Roughly 10 feet wide. Signs of Wind transport. My guess is a tree bomb triggered this little slide sometime last night. The crown had already started to fill in (seen @ 1150 am.)

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

There was slight texture on the snow surface, and as you continued climbing, the effect of the wind became more pronounced. In most areas I traveled this was just a thin wind skin, but clearly its forming some slabs as you gain elevation. A couple of quick hand pits on the way up found a right side up snow pack well bonded to the solstice crust. Wind was picking up on my way out.

Media

Crown of shallow soft slab. It was already starting to fill back in.
Public Field Report: White pass

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
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