Turnagain Pass

Yesterday we received reports of three seperate human triggered avalanches in Seattle Creek Zone, and possibly a fourth. These were large slab avalanches that likely failed on the March 28th buried surface hoar and/or the March facets. Incident details are unclear, but so far there have been no reports of anyone buried or injured. These were not small avalanches – they were all 3-6+ feet deep, maybe larger and propagated long distances. Bottom line an avalanche this size could be unsurvivable. There was also a very large Natural avalanche in Portage Valley yesterday. The Portage DOT web cam captured the debris in motion at the bottom of the avalanche path at 5:10pm.   

Test pits yesterday found easy propagation potential in reactive buried surface hoar on Sunburst. (See video below.) A 10-day storm cycle that ended Friday morning has left anywhere from 3 feet to 6+ feet (possible more in Portage/Placer/20 mile area) of snow in the upper elevations. Strong storm winds also created variable slab depths. This storm cycle came as rain in the lower elevations and produced a widespread large natural avalanches region wide. Slopes that didn’t slide during the storm are suspect. Slabs maybe slightly harder to trigger and it may not be the first person on the slope. Spring time conditions and daily warming in the afternoon will increase the likelihood of triggering.  Ease into terrain and avoid terrain traps. Follow safe travel protocols and pay attention to other parties in the area. Conservative decision-making is essential. Don’t let the sunny weekend lure you into an accident. Be patient! 

Human triggered slab avalanche in 1st Bowl (aka Main Bowl) that occured yesterday (4/8/17.)  If anyone has more details or pictures of any of the Seattle Creek avalanches yesterday please submit an observation HERE. It’s easy and can be done anonymously. Reporting near misses can help prevent future accidents and save lives!!! 

This natural avalanche happened yesterday in Portage Valley and ‘debris in motion’ was capture on the Portage DOT web cam.  

Widespread wet avalanches have occurred this week due above freezing temperatures and rain below 2700’. Yesterday there was a very large sun-triggered avalanche in Portage Valley and widespread roller ball activity and some wet loose avalanches on Southerly slopes. Mostly clear skies overnight and temperatures below freezing have created a solid crust in the lower elevation band. A sun crust also extends into the Alpine on solar aspects. Yesterday’s warm temperatures caused these crusts on steep Southerly aspects (both in the lower and upper elevations) to completely break down causing the snowpack to be wet and saturated. In the morning with freezing temperatures, the snowpack will be more stable, but as this crust starts to degrade, this is when human triggered avalanches will become likely on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Temperatures are forecasted to rise into the mid 40Fs again today and solar heating is certain, either through thin clouds or direct sun light. In the afternoon, when the crust melts wet-loose avalanches will be possible. This daily warming will also increase the potential for triggering a deeper slab in drier layers in the alpine, on ALL ASPECTS! Pay attention to roller balls indicating surface warming and avoid slopes if you start sinking into wet snow on your skis or snowmachine. 

Wet avalanches that occured on Seattle Ridge during the 10 day storm cycle. Photo taken 4/5/17 

Strong winds throughout the storm cycle combined with the heavy snow have created large cornices overhanging leeward slopes. Daily warming is also contributing to their instability. Yesterday there was a possible cornice triggered slab avalanche in Seattle Creek. Details are unconfirmed, but either way avoid travel on or underneath these backcountry bombs. They are likely to trigger a large avalanche on the slope below and often break further back on a ridge than expected.