Public Observation
Observation Details
Observation Date:
March 16, 2022Submitted:
March 16, 2022Zone or Region:
Activity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Gash PointObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Hard SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
8000’Aspect:
EComments:
A old slide was visible on a steeper slope within the Gash bowl, it was small and starting to be covered with new snow.Signs of Unstable Snow
Did you see shooting cracks?
Yes, WidespreadDid you experience collapsing or whumpfing?
NoObservations
Multiple stability tests were performed in a pit on Gash Point. The elevation of the pit was around 7500’, it was E facing and on a 30 degree slope. The results are as followed: ECTN3 down 12cm, ECTN14 down 26cm and ECTP16 down 42cm. A further PST was preformed on the layer that propagated during the extended column test, the result was as follows: PST 42/100 End down 42cm. The problem layer comprised of a 4F dense layer sitting on a ice crust, the same layer that failed this past weekend (3/12).
Small shooting cracks were often visible when preforming kick turns on the skin track, but woomfing was not observed. These cracks often occurred on the top 12cm of snow.
Ultimately, we stayed on low angle terrain and skied very conservatively, avoiding roll overs and steeper terrain. We spent a lot of time analyzing the snowpack today to gain a better idea of what will be possible to ski this upcoming weekend. Based off what we saw, as well as expected warm weather on Saturday, we both determined that fly fishing is the safest bet this weekend.
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