Public Observation #2023-1066

Submitted:
March 5, 2023 5:48 PM
Observation Date:
March 5, 2023
Zone or Region:
Central Cascades
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Tombstone Pass Area
None reported
Started up a south-facing slope at 5500'. No signs of avalanche activity. Dug a pit and found fist hardness storm snow over of significant melt crust at 30 cm. Harder crust down at 90 cm. Compression test failed at CTV, SP Q1. Shovel tilt test failed at 3 light taps. Elected not to ski the slope. Moved to a north-facing slope close by at same elevation. Pit was nothing but pow...fist to 4F to 1F over the top meter (Hs was an impressive 330 cm). No melt crust. Skied amazing.