Observation: Chugach State Park

Location: Harp

Date:
Observer:
Big Ripper
Route & General Observations

Toured to 3100 ft on W aspect near Harp. Observed whumphing concentrated in wind-loaded areas and a natural windslab slide in the main bowl of Harp. 10 in of low density over edge-able tundra made for truly heady ski quality.

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

We were popping whomphs the whole day, shooting cracks extended up to 10 ft. A natural D2 windslab was visible in the main bowl of Harp. The crown was 1.5+ ft thick and it ran 1000 ft.

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

27F at car, calm and clear skies.

Snow surface

6-10 in of low density.

Snowpack

Snow depth was around 35 cm, varying with wind effect. The bottom 10 cm consisted of 1mm facets which were over-lied by a weak crust. This layer failed very easily in hand shears and was likely the culprit of the whumphs.

Photos & Video
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Natural Wind Slab Slide  

Location
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