Observation: Douglas Island

Location: Twin Culverts

Date:
Observer:
Brent Wittmer
Route & General Observations

Poked around the terrain above twin culverts. Soggy down low, snowing above ~ 1500ft. Obvious signs of instability. Stayed off consequential slopes. Still skied to the truck. 😉

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)?Yes
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?Yes
Observer Comments

All the signs. Avy debris from natural avalanche (Loaded, NNW aspect @ 2400 ft.) Lots of whumphs above 2000ft. Shooting cracks (10-20ft) in obviously wind loaded areas along ridge. Triggered small wind slab pocket in non-consequential terrain (~30cm crown).

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

Heavy snow, light SE winds.

Snow surface

Varied based on elevation and aspect. Sopping wet below 1500 ft. Mix of heavy snow (a little upside down, ski pen. about 20cms) and firm wind slabs above.

Snowpack

No formal tests. Obvious wind loading primarily on N aspects but present on all aspects.

Photos & Video
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IMG_1585  

Location