Observation: Turnagain

Location: Sunburst West Bench

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Travelled up standard Sunburst track breaking trail through 10 cms of new! Total refresh up there with no signs of previous tracks, obvious wind scouring from recent winds. Our aim was to film rescue and pits for AK avalanche school while we watched people lap mellow powder off the West face. We did get one lap in on West face.

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)?No
Observer Comments

We got some major Whumphing (and even caught a couple on video!) anywhere that hadn't previously been heavily skied. Top of Sunburst Meadows furthest NW at 2100 feet it was pervasive and travelling far.

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

Gorgeous day offering a break between storms!
Few clouds, Light breeze from the East 7-10 mph, -4 C air temp (24 F), 10 cms of new

Snow surface

New snow light and fluffy over denser wind packed. Skied like cream cheese but a teensy bit fluffier.

Snowpack

Dug 1 pit, see photo:
2130 ft W 20 degree slop
HS: 95
CT11 SC down 85 on Basal Facets
ECTP23 down 85 on Basal Facets

Found no evidence of buried surface hoar. Snowpack height was widely variable from 20-110cms at that elevation indicating that the wind certainly did a number on that zone as evidenced by scouring up high.

Photos & Video
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