Avalanche: Turnagain

Location: United States

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Road observations through Turnagain pass this afternoon.

Avalanche Details
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Trigger SkierRemote Trigger0
Avalanche Type0Aspect West Southwest
Elevation 3000ftSlope Angle 38deg
Crown Depth 12inWidth 70ft
Vertical Run 150ft  
Avalanche Details

Spoke with a party in Tin Can parking lot who triggered a D1.5 soft slab avalanche in Tin Can Common bowl. He noticed the slope cracking up below him and angled off the slab while descending. This released as a pocket, mid-slope (see photo) and appears to be comprised of yesterday's storm slab/ wind slab.
**Avalanche dimensions are approximate.**

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?Yes
Collapsing (Whumphing)?No
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?No
Observer Comments

The party observed a natural avalanche in Hippy Bowl prior this skier-triggered release. No other obvious signs of instability noted on their tour.

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

10-12" new snow in the Alpine (around Turnagain Pass).
2+ feet in Alpine around Girdwood and periphery areas such as Portage and Grandview.
Peak storm intensity occurred this morning (6-9AM) with a 102mph gust at Seattle ridge. Moderate to strong winds persisted into this afternoon from the East on ridgetops.
Skies cleared substantially by early afternoon around Girdwood but instability showers persisted and visibility was in and out on Turnagain pass.
40 degrees at 4:30PM on Turnagain pass.

Photos & Video
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