Public Observation
Observation Details
Observation Date:
December 23, 2020Submitted:
December 25, 2020Zone or Region:
Warm Lake areaActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
BlackmareObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a personElevation:
8200’Aspect:
NEComments:
Old crowns from the solstice storm.Photo:
Signs of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
NoDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
Yes, IsolatedObservations
Snow depths
4000-5000’. 0-1 inches
5000-6000’ 1-12 inches
6000-7000’ 12-24 inches
7000-8000’ 24-48 inches
We traveled primarily on south aspects. Snow was supportive for travel at all elevations. We noticed old crowns from the solstice storm on ne aspects likely failing on the weak faceted snow from early December.
Nearing the ridge at 8500’ on a more easterly aspect, we experienced collapses due to the less developed rain crust. Looking into the northern aspect, we could see old blocks of snow from cornice breaks.
Sun warming on the rocks had caused some minor loose snow sloughs (see attached photo).
We traveled as if considerable hazard and completely avoided avalanche terrain.
Media
