| Recent Avalanches? | No |
| Collapsing (Whumphing)? | Yes |
| Cracking (Shooting cracks)? | Yes |
Observation: Turnagain
Location: Seattle Ridge
Took the snowmachine up-track to Seattle Ridge, starting at the Turnagain Pass RWIS station at 1020ft.
Obvious signs of instability
Observer Comments
Pole tests as we neared Seattle Ridge revealed a developing wind slab.
Weather
No new snow. Wind ranged from calm at the trailhead (1000') to moderate on Seattle Ridge. Temps in the mid to high 20s(F).
Snow surface
There was very large (5mm+) surface hoar up to the lower valleys. As we neared the ridge (starting at ~2070') there was some wind affect, and the ridge itself bears the signs of a developing wind slab.
Snowpack
HS 30-35cm. Faceting settled snow from October 29th snowfall. Ground on the ridge was lightly frozen, and the beginnings of a wind slab and cornices were present on the ridgeline, confirmed by pole tests. As we toured up the ridge looking for a place to transition, the soft slab underneath us collapsed, resulting in ~10m shooting cracks.
Surface hoar next to my boot at 1020'.
Snow surface on the ridge.
Shooting cracks. Definite wind slab developing!