| Trigger | Natural | Remote Trigger | No |
| Avalanche Type | Soft Slab | Aspect | West |
| Elevation | 3000ft | Slope Angle | unknown |
| Crown Depth | unknown | Width | unknown |
| Vertical Run | unknown |
Avalanche: Turnagain
Location: Seattle Ridge
AAS Pro 1 class seamlessly transitioned to plan B today given the Seward Highway closure this morning. Tim Thomas (Haines Avalanche Center) and I took advantage of some good vis for a quick trip to the top of Seattle Ridge. Route: Moto uptrack to top of Warm up bowl. Had a good look around Warm up and Main Bowls.
Avalanche Details
Noticed a couple storm slabs late in the day on a West Face of Lipps at about 3K. Appears to have been triggered by wet loose/ roller balls.
Weather
Visibility was in and out today, some periods of brilliant sun and some periods of high clouds/ flat light. Winds were light to moderate from the S on Seattle ridge, gusting up to ~20mph. Temps were mid 20's on the ridge, low 30's at the p lot. No new snow today but Pro 1 students set out a storm board at Center Ridge yesterday morning. 15cm measured this afternoon.
Snow surface
Creamy pow. Lower density than anticipated coming from Girdwood this morning. Some wind affect on the ridge and the backside of Seattle. One report from Main Bowl was that snow surface was soft, and Juniors was significantly wind effected.
Snowpack
HS = 180cm. Test pit info below.
Loc: Seattle Ridge
Ele: 2900'
Asp: SE
Slope: 23 degrees
Test scores: ECTP20,21 on small facets (.5-1mm) down ~40cm on hardness change b/n F and 4F.
New Years Crust was down 80cm at this location.
Natural avalanches on Lipps x 2. West face at ~3,000'.
Hardness profile in test pit. ~2900' on Seattle Ridge. ECTP21,22 down 40cm @ hardness change b/n F and 4F.
ECTP20 and ECTP21
Afternoon light kissing Warm up Bowl.
Looking North over Turnagain Arm. HUGE thanks to AK Mining and Diving for providing the AK Avy School this 'loaner sled' this winter. Has been an invaluable tool for instructors during our courses!
Afternoon clearing over the Center Ridge p lot. Pro tip: If you use these restrooms, DON'T lock the door!