Observation: Summit

Location: Fresno Trees

Date:

February 15, 2020 7:32pm

Observer:

Ben Clark

Route & General Observations

Group of Alaska Avalanche Level 2 course students began skinning adjacent to the gravel pit entrance parking lot. We toured up through alders to open east face. Noticed multiple whumpfs and shooting cracks along with moderate to very reactive hand shear tests.

Red Flags

Red flags are simple visual clues that are a sign of potential avalanche danger. Please record any sign of red flags below.

Obvious signs of instability

Recent Avalanches?	Yes
Collapsing (Whumphing)?	Yes
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?	Yes

Observer Comments

Whumphing and shooting cracks observed. Recent avalanche observed on Spirit Walker, 3500', SW aspect.

Weather & Snow Characteristics

Please provide details to help us determine the weather and snowpack during the time this observation took place.

Weather

Partly cloudy, no precipitation, temp in teens, calm wind. 5cm of new snow.

Snow surface

New snow on top of settled powder.

Snowpack

4 pits at 1960', east aspect, slope angle 28 degrees -- gathered average results. HS 95cm. CTs failed in teens below NYE crust on 1-2mm facets. ECT failed 15-20 below NYE crust on1-2mm facets, some with Q2 propagation others inconsistent. PST below NYE crust 35/100 End.

Structure: Low stability (4 lemons at NYE crust). Energy: Moderate. Strength: Moderate.

Photos & Video

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Spirit Walker Slide

Snow Structure on Fresno

Location

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