Close
Payette Avalanche Center

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
April 12, 2022
Submitted:
April 13, 2022
Zone or Region:
Big Creek Summit
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
1st Knob

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
7400 ft
Aspect:
NE
Comments:
Both of these small, soft slabs were triggered by sluff on a ski cut. Crowns were about 30 cm (12"), very small pockets. This was a cross-loaded slope facing NE, the new snow ran on the old interface that was buried 04/10, which is a firm crust about 5 cm (2") thick. The new snow was very soft and light, even the wind-deposited snow did not indicate slab-like characteristics.
Photo:

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Heavy snow showers off and on all afternoon. The sun did poke out for an hour or so early afternoon, which was just enough to dampen the new snow on south faces. 20-25 cm (8-10") new snow in the parking lot. 35-45 cm (14-18") on ridgetops. The new snow was very low-density (less than 10%). Winds were out of the W/NW and easily moving around the new snow. Beneath the 04/10 interface was a mix of melt-freeze crusts from the late March warmup.

Media

Ridgetop drifts were waist deep
W/NW winds were building sensitive cornices on ridgetops
Sensitive storm slab releases from a ski cut
Debris from storm slabs
04/10 interface, thick but punchy crust
New snow sitting atop 04/10 crust with a mix of older melt-freeze crusts from March

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Storm Slab
Comments: 
All aspects (especially N/NE/E), the size was D1, Likelihood was possible trending towards likely, new snow received since Sunday (04/10), the interface was a 5 cm (2") thick crust that you could punch through with your pole.
Observed Avalanche Problem #2: 
Dry Loose
Comments: 
All aspects (especially steeper terrain on the northern half of the compass), the size was D1, the Likelihood of triggering was likely, new snow received since Sunday (04/10)
Close