| Trigger | Natural | Remote Trigger | 0 |
| Avalanche Type | 0 | Aspect | East |
| Elevation | 2300ft | Slope Angle | unknown |
| Crown Depth | 24in | Width | unknown |
| Vertical Run | unknown |
Avalanche: Turnagain
Location: Sunburst
Avalanche Details
Numerous slabs released on Seattle Ridge in the afternoon. D1s and D2s See photos
Obvious signs of instability
| Recent Avalanches? | Yes |
| Collapsing (Whumphing)? | No |
| Cracking (Shooting cracks)? | No |
Observer Comments
Observed several D1 & D2 slabs that released on Seattle Ridge during the day (see photos)
Wet loose activity on steep sunlit slopes
Minimal cracking underfoot along ascent ridge in previously wind loaded areas
No collapsing
Weather
Periods of light snowfall in the morning less than 1” accumulation
Calm wind
Mild temps, 32 F @ 1,000’ @ 10am, 37 @ 3pm
Mostly cloudy changing over to mostly sunny by 4pm
Snow surface
1,000-2,000’ - 8-10” new snow
2,000-3,300’ - 16-20” new snow
Snowpack
Test results in 3 locations today showed the storm snow to be well bonded to underlying surfaces. No propagation in tests and generally “right side up” new snow. Snowpack structure in the lower elevations has a slab sitting on a thick layer of wet snow.
1. 2,900’ W aspect, HS=190cm, no remarkable results
2. 3,300’ W aspect, HS=300cm, storm snow=24”
3. 1,700’ S aspect, HS=130cm, storm snow=12”, sitting on weak, wet snow
Crown on Seattle Ridge E aspect ~ 2,300'. This slab looked to have pulled out snow on lower angled terrain above the main path. Avalanche occured after heating and sunlight impacted slopes.
Debris pile of same avalanche from first photo (lower left). Enough debris to bury a person. D2.
One of several D1 slabs that pulled out on the East face of Seattle Ridge after the sun poked out and the temps rose.
D2 slab on the East side of Seattle Ridge
Great coverage to highway level makes for less hiking and more skiing!
Cornices have grown substantially over the last week. Pictured is the S side of Sunburst
Boot penetration in the lower elevations is full depth. Weak wet snow sits beneath the newest storm snow.
Sunburst 4-10-15