Observation: Girdwood

Location: Max's Mountain

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Skinned up Max’s mountain staying near the main shoulder leading to the weather station. First lap to top was solo, second lap on the same skin track with two people a loud settling noise followed by shooting cracks beginning 100′ up the hill and running the entire length across the gully we were heading up were observed. Our party rapidly retreated off the aspect and skied down to tree line. The snow was wind loaded and 2.5′ deep down to the ground.

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?No
Collapsing (Whumphing)?Yes
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?Yes
Weather & Snow Characteristics
Please provide details to help us determine the weather and snowpack during the time this observation took place.
Weather

Wind effected with a 1" top layer crust followed by low density snow approximately 2.5' in depth to the ground

Snow surface

Wind crust

Snowpack

Informal testing revealed ground level facets below a 2.5' deep snow pack