Public Observation
Observation Details
Observation Date:
April 18, 2022Submitted:
April 18, 2022Zone or Region:
Activity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Saint Mary PeakObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Dry Loose (Sluff)Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
8100 feetAspect:
NEComments:
Considering that the prevailing winds have been out of the NE for the past week I was somewhat surprised to see this dry loose activity on a ENE aspect. This was the only location/aspect where I observed any recent avalanche activity.Photo:
Signs of Unstable Snow
None reported
Observations
Parked at 5,600' and ascended the eastern flank to the SE ridge to the summit. Winds were light gusting moderate by noon, temperatures rose above freezing around 0900, sky was overcast trending broken by 1200. The snowpack was very thin below 6,700' and significantly increases in depth above that point. With pole tests throughout the day I observed about 30-40cm of unconsolidated snow from the recent precipitation and wind events. In the morning the snow was dry, light and some actively being transported by the moderate winds; by the time of descent @ 1200, the warmer temperatures and greenhousing made for very wet sticky snow (watch the knees). I suspect wet slides to occur later this afternoon into evening.