Public Observation
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 31, 2021Submitted:
February 1, 2021Zone or Region:
Warm Lake areaActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Warm Lake ZoneObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a personElevation:
7,000Aspect:
SWComments:
Noted a couple of slab avalanches from a distance on steep SW facing terrain. Start zones likely in the 40 degree range. ran at least a 300-400 vertical. Overall, I was expecting to see more natural activity in this area.Photo:
Signs of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
Yes, WidespreadDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
Yes, WidespreadObservations
Note: cracking and whumpfing was widespread from 5,000 to 6,000'. Very occasional above that elevation. I was also able to crack out 1 small wind slab 6" thick at 7,600 on a ridge line in wind loaded terrain.
Photo below is one crack about 30-40 long at 5,400', it shifted slab a couple of inches downhill on a slope in the low 30 degrees range. It happened at a switchback on the skin track. I'm not sure it would have separated if it was supported without the track directly below.
I agree with Sundays hazard rating, that being said, we are still traveling with much higher caution due to consequences. We have too many issues to contend with including mid and deep pack instabilities above 6,000. these are not issues that can be mitigated with ski cuts and such. We took a major detour to a completely different ridge system to avoid wind pillows on a slope less than 35 degrees. Trailbreaking was hollow and arduous below 6,000', lot's of holes.
Some South aspects were crusted in the afternoon on our exit.
Toddeo - FPAC Board of Directors
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