Observation: Douglas Island

Location: Tabletop

Date:
Observer:
Sam Steensland
Route & General Observations

Dug a pit at 2700′ NE aspect of Tabletop. We found 2 reactive weak layers in the top 12″ of the snowpack, but did not see any propagation. We also saw 3 avalanches that probably occurred during the storm on Saturday (one on Hogsback, one on the NW face of False Troy, and one on the NW face of Tabletop. All just below ridge line). We avoided windloaded terrain where a cohesive slab could have formed on top of the weak layers.

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

Sunny. North wind 10 gusting to 20 on the ridges.

Snow surface

3" of powder on north and east aspects. Frozen crust that softened in the afternoon on south and west aspects.

Snowpack

CT 11 3" down
CT 14 7" down
CT 27 16" down
ECTN

Location