Public Observation #2023-1112
Observation Details
Submitted:
March 28, 2023 4:42 PMObservation Date:
March 25, 2023Zone or Region:
Central CascadesActivity:
Snowmobiling/SnowbikingLocation:
Paulina (43.68444, -121.23785)Triggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
D1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
Aspect:
NEComments:
Signs of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
YesDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
NoObservations
Traveling by snowmobile along the rim of the Obsidian Crater (rollercoaster). Considerable conditions with large volume of new snow and continuous snow through the day, so stayed away from wind-loaded areas, slopes >25deg, overhead hazards, and terrain traps. Snow was continuous with temperatures between 10-25 degrees through the day. Test pit dug on a NE-facing slope, 25deg. Depth 240cm, new snow interfaces at 20cm (overnight) and 40cm (storm cycle). 1cm crust with facets at 40cm. Beneath 40cm is consistent, consolidated snow. Compression test fractures on tap 1=20cm resistant planar and tap 12=40cm sudden planar, confirming high-risk conditions.Triggered a small soft slab avalanche on a test slope, NE facing, 32deg. 40cm crown. Propagated beyond test area.
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