Public Observation
Observation Details
Observation Date:
March 4, 2023Submitted:
March 5, 2023Zone or Region:
Lick Creek AreaActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Lick CreekObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Dry Loose (Sluff)Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
8000Aspect:
NWComments:
Observed several natural point releases cascade a few hundred feet down over very steep rocky terrainSigns of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
NoDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
Yes, IsolatedObservations
Encountered good stability that gave us confidence to travel and ride in avalanche terrain. Collapsing was isolated to shallower rocky areas on a west facing aspect at 7600’. Saw natural dry loose point releases at a distance on a very steep, rocky NW aspect and had easily manageable sluff where we rode, but avoided terrain traps that could have made it more challenging. Observed large cornices on north and north west ridge tops, and visible clues of wind effect at the west facing ridge, but did not find wind slabs in that location.
Wind was calm to light throughout the day, out of the southwest. Snowfall was very light and intermittent.