Turnagain Pass

The skier triggered avalanche that occurred on Jan 2 is a good reminder that many slopes are capable of producing large, deep and destructive avalanches.  This avalanche showed us a snowpack that is remarkably dangerous, as smaller avalanches occured on adjacent slopes as a direct result of this slide.  This event should be a wake up call to us all.  While the outcome was good (no one was injured, buried or killed), it easily could have turned out much differently.  Check our observations page for a variety of reports about this avalanche.  The potential to trigger deep slabs will remain today, as over a foot of new snow combined with wind has added stress to the snowpack.  While the precip has backed off in intensity since yesterday afternoon, the snowpack needs time to adjust to its newest load.  While time will help to diminish the likelihood of triggering these deep slabs, it will not erase it.  The consequences of triggering a deep slab avalanche are severe.  Conservative terrain choices combined with safe travel practices will be essential in avoiding this problem today.

While 15″ of snow is a significant load on an already stressed snowpack, 1.5″ of water weight is even more significant.  If we were to get the same amount of snow with, say, a quarter inch of water, the stress placed on the underlying layers would be much less significant.  Any time I see an inch of water or more of accumulation in a 24 hour period I pay attention.  Expect to find areas with greater accumulation, particularly above treeline and in wind loaded starting zones today.  While the sensitivity of these slabs will be on the decline, do not rule out the possibility of layers within this new snow to release and produce avalanches.  The greater problem arises when this new snow slides and brings out weaknesses deeper down into the base of the snowpack.