Public Observation

Observation Date:

May 18, 2023

Submitted:

May 19, 2023

Zone or Region:

Goose Lake Area

Activity:

Skiing/Snowboarding

Location:

North Face of Granite down to Twin Lakes.

Did you observe any avalanches?

Yes

Avalanche Type:

Wet Loose

Size:

Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person

Elevation:

8400 feet

Aspect:

N

Comments:

The previous day's afternoon cornice fall produced a loose wet snow slide in the top 6 inches or so of the snowpack. Since we were skiing down by 9:30, we were not too worried about setting loose another one. We also avoided any remaining cornices.

Photo:

None reported

Anyone getting out into the high country this weekend should be prepared to start early. Real early. The overnight freeze just barely firmed up the 8:15 approach to the peak. The North face was rapidly softening by 9:30. 8:30 would have been better for descending. With the coming heat, that won't get any better. I wouldn't venture on to steep terrain any time later.

The Goose Creek road is still snow covered, but bare spots will open up this weekend.

The rocky corner below Sargent's on Goose Creek road.

Lower down in one of the gulleys above Twin Lakes.

The upper face, skied just in time before the big warm up.