Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Tanner lorimer
Observation Date:
January 1, 2022
Submitted:
January 2, 2022
Zone or Region:
West North
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Mt.Baker backcountry

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
No
Avalanche Type:
Other
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
Upper
Aspect:
N
Comments:
Wind slab triggered on about a 70° slope, dug a shallow pit and very loose top layer with easily triggered slides. Danger level high on moderate to steep slopes. About 150 feet long and 100 feet wide with a 6-8 inch depth.

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Hard Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
Upper
Aspect:
NE
Comments:
60-70 feet wide, 40-50 feet long, 6 inches deep

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Observations

Riding the elbow at Mt baker with high winds and really low temps creating a cold top layer with fractures very likely.

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
The wind was blowing about 10-20mph creating wind effected top layer that was fracturing bringing everything below it down.
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