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Unstable cornices and wind slab avalanche
Location Name:
Eddy Range - Parks Creek summit areaRegion:
Mt EddyDate and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown):
Tue, 02/21/2017 - 7:00pmObservation made by:
ForecasterRed Flags:
Recent avalanche activity
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Location Map
United States
41° 20' 42.0936" N, 122° 30' 44.6508" W
See map: Google Maps
US
Avalanche Observations
Details
Characteristics
Avalanche Type:
SlabTrigger type:
NaturalSlope:
37degreesAspect:
NorthElevation:
7 800ft.Terrain:
Above TreelineWeak Layer:
UnknownBed Surface:
UnknownCrown Height:
1 ftAvalanche Width:
150ft.Avalanche Length:
900ft.Number of people caught:
0Number of partial burials:
0Number of full burials:
0Weather Observations
Details
A very alpine feel was present up in the Eddies yesterday with sunlight filtering through thin clouds and more dense clouds passing by blocking the sun from time to time. Periods of very light snow and graupel fell. No accumulation. The snow below 6,800 feet began to become heavy and even formed a slight temperature crust later in the day. This will likely be a zipper crust now. Above 7,000 feet, snow surfaces were smooth and soft. From 6,500 to 7,000 feet, this elevation band is transitional. Winds were not noticeable below treeline. Near treeline a few gusts came through but otherwise was nice. Above treeline, moderate winds blew out of the south. Temperatures were below freezing all day.
Statistics
Cloud Cover:
75% of the sky covered by cloudsBlowing Snow:
YesPrecipitation:
SnowAccumulation rate:
Less than 1 in. per hourAir temperature:
Below FreezingAir temperature trend:
CoolingWind Speed:
LightWind Direction:
South
Two easily triggered cornices features in areas of little consequence were observed yesterday, 2/20. Also, a natural wind slab avalanche was observed on a northerly facing slope above treeline. A full investigation was not conducted. This avalanche was viewed from afar.