Public Observation

Observation Date:

March 18, 2023

Submitted:

March 19, 2023

Zone or Region:

Boulder/Jughandle Area

Activity:

Skiing/Snowboarding

Location:

Jughandle Mountain

Did you observe any avalanches?

Yes

Avalanche Type:

Other

Size:

Size 3: Could bury and destroy a car, damage a truck, destroy a wood frame house, or break a few trees

Elevation:

8300

Aspect:

N

Comments:

Part of the cornice above the north cirque of Jughandle failed naturally and ran several hundred vertical feet (500’?) but the path did not grow wider than the width of the cornice (25’) until the debris fanned out at the bottom

Photo:

None reported

We observed natural cornice failure in the north cirque of Jug. Uncertain when this might have failed. Other cornices were moderate to large in size. My partner intentionally broke off a chunk of the hang fire with significant resistance but we gave the big ones a wide berth.
We observed widespread wind affect on multiple aspects and elevations, though mostly above tree line, including active transport on ridge tops. Surprising given the firm snow. Wind was light out of the south.

Drone image of the cornice break avalanche path

The debris from the cornice break is centered. Another crown is visible on the right below steep cliffs. Assume this failed earlier this week during the storm system.

Older natural crown and active transport on the ridge top