RED FLAGS
Recent avalanche activity
Wind
Intense precipitation
Whumpfing sounds or cracks
Recent avalanche activity
Wind
Intense precipitation
Whumpfing sounds or cracks
Observation Date/Time:
Sat, Feb 13, 2021 - 1:30 PM
Reporter(s):
Mason Lacy
Location/Elevation:
Santiam Pass Area (including Three Finger Jack) / 4400'
Report Type:
Avalanche Activity
Travel Mode:
Ski or Snowboard
Sat, Feb 13, 2021 - 1:30 PM
Reporter(s):
Mason Lacy
Location/Elevation:
Santiam Pass Area (including Three Finger Jack) / 4400'
Report Type:
Avalanche Activity
Travel Mode:
Ski or Snowboard
Temperature:
30°C
Sky Conditions:
Overcast (> 7/8)
Precip Type/Intensity:
Snow / S2 Moderate snow
30°C
Sky Conditions:
Overcast (> 7/8)
Precip Type/Intensity:
Snow / S2 Moderate snow
Written Report:
On Saturday 2/13 we skied the N & NE facing slopes west of the Potato Hill summit down to the hwy. The upper portion was wind scoured and variable; the skiing improved lower as the snow was soft and less wind affected.
On our third run at 1:30pm, near the top of the last pitch above the highway (elev ~4400), I skied near a rock outcropping on a steeper slope and triggered a slide. I skied across the slope to my left and saw a crack propagate ~20ft in front of my skis. I stopped at a stump in the middle of the slope as the slab slid below.
The crown was about 40cm, on a 35-40deg slope. The slab seemed to consist of the entirety of the recent snowfall.