Public Observation #2023-1028

Submitted:

February 5, 2023 3:50 PM

Observation Date:

February 5, 2023

Zone or Region:

Central Cascades

Activity:

Skiing/Snowboarding

Location:

Tam Rim - East Peak, North Face

Did you trigger any avalanches?

Yes

Was it intentional?

Avalanche Type:

Soft Slab

Size:

D2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person

Elevation:

Aspect:

Comments:

Dropped the throat skier right on the north face of East Peak. Slab released and propagated west 40 meters. Crown estimate was 40 cm deep releasing on old ice crust layer. Slide traveled 100' vert and then took a nap.

None reported

Had planned to do Black Crater burn but not enough new snow. Switched to Tam Rim. Wind was howling on snowmo in with sizable drifts and periods of whiteout. With avi forecast Considerable and westerlies loading ewast aspects, we figured East Peak would reveal any baby dragons (7300' North Aspect). Short slide paths with resonable escapes. With wind out of the west, avoided the west flank of the face and the steep center drop. So dropped the skiers right throat (est 35 degree top). Cut the top and commited to fall line. Bud observing from top announced, "Avalanche". Skier escaped hard right. Second rider cut the hang fire and rode down the bed surface. Our dragon hunt was over. All lines from the rim were now closed. Enjoyed trees rest of the day.

Observation Details