Avalanche: Chugach State Park

Location: Hunter Creek

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Hiked 2 miles up Hunter Creek to climb Split Finish and Lost in Space and hiked out. One natural small wet loose avalanche observed on a Easterly aspect and ice fall on Lost Ice on West aspect in afternoon. Several new small wet loose avalanches carrying large rocks had crossed the trail on the way out.

Avalanche Details
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Trigger NaturalRemote Trigger0
Avalanche Type Wet Loose SnowAspect East
Elevation 100ftSlope Angle 45deg
Crown DepthunknownWidth 20ft
Vertical Run 200ft  
Avalanche Details

While climbing Split Finish around 3 pm we heard and saw a small wet loose avalanche across canyon on a E aspect that started in a steep rocky area, entrained snow and rocks down to ground, and ran down to the trail.

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)?No
Observer Comments

In addition to the wet loose observed around 3 pm, we observed a ice fall on Lost Ice on a W aspect around 5 pm. On the way out of the canyon we observed several new debris piles across the trail containing dirt and large rocks, evidence of small wet loose avalanches during the day. Numerous old and recent wet loose avalanches had crossed the trail, entraining snow and rocks down to the ground.

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

High of 42 F, low of 9 F. Clear skies. No precipitation. Light winds noted around 4 pm.

Snow surface

A 1" very breakable melt freeze crust on all aspects.

Snowpack

Not Observed.

Photos & Video
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