Observation: Turnagain

Location: Turnagain Pass Road Obs

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Drove through Turnagain Pass to Johnson Pass trail head around 2pm. No avalanche activity observed. New snow along the road ranged from 8″ on  North side of Turnagain Pass to 3″ at Johnson Pass trail head.

Red Flags
Red flags are simple visual clues that are a sign of potential avalanche danger. Please record any sign of red flags below.
Observer Comments

A little snow transport was observed on Pyramid peak (NW wind) at 1:30pm a few tiny dry loose point releases, otherwise no obvious signs observed.

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

Clear skies
Temps 22F
Calm winds along road, Sunburst wx station was averaging 10mph w/ gusts to 15mph from the WSW at 4pm.

Snow surface

Total snow depths (from 10/29 storm):
Seattle Ridge DOT lot - 8"
Motorized lot - 6"
Sunburst parking - 5"
Johnson Pass trail head - 3"

Snowpack

It looks like winter in Turnagain, but be aware of early season hazards under a thin snowpack. Turnagain Pass received 5-8" of new snow along the road, and we're guessing a few more inches at higher elevations. This new snow has fallen on moist ground, with patches of old snow above 2500', otherwise not much of a base.

Photos & Video
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