Observation: Douglas Island

Location: West Bowl

Date:
Observer:
Sam Steensland
Route & General Observations

Our group experienced 2 large whumps with shooting cracks that propagated at least 20′ while skinning in West Bowl. One was on the ridge proper and the other was on a windloaded North aspect just below the ridgeline. A hasty hand pit showed the failure was approximately 35cm down where the most recent storm snow sat on top of facets.

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

Mostly cloudy, light snow, light winds.

Snow surface

Boot top powder,

Location