Public Observation #2021-498
Observation Details
Submitted:
December 17, 2021 11:09 AMObservation Date:
December 17, 2021Zone or Region:
Central CascadesActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
TumaloSigns of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
YesDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
NoObservations
Skinned up Tumalo this morning from Dutchman. At 7600’ W aspect noticed cracking and a very light crust formed.Went to the top, dug into the snow at the top of the bowl, E aspect. Sky was clear, winds 5-10 mph out of the N/NE.
Snow height was 80-85 cm depending on the rocks below. Observed a right-side up snow pack, with fist hardness down to 25 cm below surface, then 4 fingers down to 40 cm, the 1 finger down to ground.
Compression test resulted in the top layer (5cm thick) propagating when first cuts were made, before any taps. This was confirmed by a second compression test done at same site. No other significant signs to report, save the top layer.
The ski down was super fun, went out toward South Farthing, found a light breakable crust in the open, soft snow in shaded areas in trees.