Observation: Seward

Location: Lost Lake

Date:

December 11, 2021 10:00

Observer:

Kit Barton

Route & General Observations

Primrose TH to Lost Lake via standard sled track.

Red Flags

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

Observer Comments

Strong NW to NE winds causing rapid wind loading near and above treeline. Large cornices and drifts forming on a lee aspects and terrain features.

Weather & Snow Characteristics

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

Weather

20s in the morning, rapidly dropping to teens or high single digits in the afternoon. NW to NE winds above treeline sustained 15 to 20, gusts 30+?

Snow surface

Wind scoured/loaded depending on aspect. Below 1000', 4 to 8 inches of new snow on a breakable crust. Above 1000', 8 to 12+ inches new snow on consolidated old snow. Surface of small ponds and Lost Lake slushy. Did not venture onto Lost Lake.

Snowpack

Did not conduct any stability tests due to cold weather. Intended to tour up Primrose. Cold, windy weather and obvious poor riding conditions due to firm wind affected snow kept us lower down.

Photos & Video

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Wind loading on Ascension.

Location

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