Observation: Chugach State Park

Location: Harp Mtn.

Date:

February 18, 2022 4:54pm

Observer:

UAA AIARE Rec Lvl 1- TJ Miller

Route & General Observations

Saw recent D2 avalanche Activity and cornice break on NW face of Harp main bowl. This avalanche was a cornice break onto wind slab with a step down into persistent layer. Recent avalanche in Swiss bowl.
Dug a pit just of NW face, adjacent to recent avalanche. 3380′, 320 (NW), 22 degree incline. CTM 20 down 25cm. ECTN22 down 40cm. Found wind slabs ranging from 3cm to 50cm deep. Dug pit in other location targeting windslab; ECTP21 down 33.

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)?	No
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?	Yes

Observer Comments

some short shooting cracks on wind slabs.
Recent natural avalanches on Harp NW face.
Recent avalanche on Swiss Bowl.
All avalanches were on leeward faces.

Weather & Snow Characteristics

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

Weather

light to moderate SE wind transporting at ridgetops
Overcast, clearing later in day
Visibility improved as the day went on.
No new snow

Snow surface

wind effected
Overnight freeze line went to about 2500'

Snowpack

Lot of layers from this parade of storms. Slight temperature changes created multiple interfaces within the new snow.

Photos & Video

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Location

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