May Avalanche Activity

Observations from the Old Ski Bowl

Visabilty remained poor during the day, around 500 ft. The cloud line hovered around 8,500 feet, making upward movment and terrain assessment difficult. Snowfall continued throughout the trip. Temperartures were below freezing with a light south, southwest wind gusting to moderate.

A wet-loose avalanche large enough to bury a person was observed off the east face of Green Butte. Five inches of fresh snow covered the debris pile infering that the slide likely occured on the 3rd or 4th during a warm spell or period of heavy precipitation. Adjacent, were several simaller wet-slides that likely occured at the same time. Under the five inches of fresh snow was a punchable three inch crust layer with less dence snow beneath.

These snow instabilities are a reminder that avalanches are possible in May. This is the fourth day of continuous snowfall, bringing winter-like conditions to the mountains. With more precipitation in the forecast, avalanches must be considered.

Observation Location: Old Ski Bowl

• Elevation: 8,500 feet
• Date: 20230507
• Time: 1300
• Observer: S. Clairmont, E. Falconer, C. Beattie
• Sky Conditions: Obscured (X)
• Current Precipitation: Type - SN, Rate - S-1
• Air Temperature: 25 °F
• Surface Penetration: boot penetration (PF) = 12 in (30cm)
• Wind Direction: SW
• Wind Speed: Light (L), 1-16 mi/hr, twigs in motion