Turnagain Pass

It has been four days since the end of the ‘sleeper storm’ that hit last weekend. Each day since, folks have been able to trigger an avalanche or two per day. These have all been small pockets and not well connected; a testament to the cold weather keeping the new snow loose and mostly unconsolidated. We had reports of two avalanches yesterday. The first was a small slab below Tincan’s Hippy Bowl. This slide was believed to be remotely triggered from adjacent lower angle terrain. The second was a ‘sun baked’ slab on the South face of Tincan Proper. This slab is suspected to have released naturally due to direct sunshine. Both of these avalanches were roughly a foot thick (composed of the weekend’s new snow) and are likely to have an old sun crust as the bed surface as they both have a Southerly tilt. 

For today, with similar weather we can expect similar avalanche conditions. Meaning, triggering a slab avalanche is still possible. Things to keep in mind are:

1. Southerly facing slopes receiving direct sunshine are suspect later in the day (these zones also have an old sun crust acting as a bed surface).
2. Wind slabs. If you find a wind slab, it is likely sitting on weak faceted snow and hence could pop out on steeper slopes.
3. Remember, below the weekend’s new snow sits old weak faceted snow – quick hand pits can help assess bonding with this old layer that is 1-2′ below the surface.

Despite the avalanche activity above, we have also been finding many areas where the snowpack has adjusted there is good bonding between the new and old snow. However, if this is the case where you are traveling, don’t let your guard down and always be suspect a pocket could pull out. Before exposing yourself, evaluate the consequences if the snow does move. 

Small skier/snowboarder triggered slab on Tincan Ridge – the lower roll below Hippy Bowl. Likely triggered remotely by skiers. Note the cracking to the left of avalanche where it was not quite steep enough to avalanche. Photo:  Joe Kurtack

Small(ish) slab avalanche on the South face of Tincan Proper. Thought to have released yesterday naturally due to direct sunshine. Photo: Andy Moderow

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SLUFFS:  Human triggered dry loose snow avalanches continue to be easily triggered on steep slopes without a sun or wind crust on the surface. Watch your sluff if headed to these steep lines with loose surface snow, they could be larger and run further than expected. Once the days become warmer, we should start seeing more wet loose avalanches from direct sunshine; cold temperatures have keep these to a minimum lately.

CORNICES:  We have not seen or heard of any cornice breaks lately, however, they are always worth giving a wide berth and direct sunshine can help to loosen them. Please let us know if you see any recent cornice falls!

GLIDE CRACKS:  Glide cracks continue to slowly ooze open on Seattle Ridge, Tincan’s Library, Lynx creek and other zones. Keep an eye out of them and limit time under them.