Public Observation #2021-498

Submitted:

December 17, 2021 11:09 AM

Observation Date:

December 17, 2021

Zone or Region:

Central Cascades

Activity:

Skiing/Snowboarding

Location:

Tumalo

Did you see shooting cracks?

Yes

Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing?

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.

Observation Details