Observation: Douglas Island

Location: Meadows above upper lot, Eaglecrest

Date:
Observer:
Brent Wittmer
Route & General Observations

Short walk above the upper lot. Spectacular whoomfing every few steps.

The trap is set. All that is needed for an avalanche is a slope steep enough and a trigger. Make good choices, folks.

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)?Yes
Observer Comments

~75 cms of upside-down storm snow. Major whoomfing and visible collapsing every few steps. Mistook whoomfs for the sound of EC avy control at first. Very impressive.

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

Heavy snow.

Snow surface

About 2 ft of new snow.

Snowpack

Upside down storm layer about 2ft deep. Heavy and a little wind effected on top. Low density on the bottom. All sitting on a facet crust combo 75cms down. Extended column failed with on isolation. Sudden collapse @75cms.

Of note: given the sensitivity to trigger, it was difficult to dig a pit without collapsing that deep weak layer while approaching on skis. Had to walk a ways to get to a spot where it hadn’t already collapsed from me skinning.

Location