Observation: Ketchikan

Location: Dude Mtn.

Date:
Observer:
Ian Clarke
Route & General Observations

Skinned from trailhead up Dude Mtn. ridge. 20-30cm of storm snow, heavy powder on freeze/thaw ice with surface hoar. New snow was unconsolidated but not bonded to old surface. Avoided areas that were wind-affected.

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

Whumphing on skin track, switchbacks failed at surface hoar on steep terrain, dry loose snow releasing, wind slabs avoided.

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

20-30cm new snow ~2 days, No wind today, recent winds from N, NE, E, temps 25F. Several days cold and clear followed by new snow

Snow surface

Medium-heavy powder 20-30cm, 1000ft to summit (2500ft) on top of melt/freeze crust with surface hoar. Wind affected areas avoided.

Snowpack

2400ft elevation, NW aspect, 40 degree slope, 275cm depth, 30cm storm snow, 4F density on 245cm of pencil/knife density freeze/thaw ice. Surface hoar between storm snow and ice.
CT6, Q1, 30cm.
ECTX (No propagation).

Location