Date of Observation: 01/12/2022
Name: Jeff Banks
Zone: Southeast Mountains
Route Description: 4 days at Opa’s/Taylor Pass zone from Ashcroft trailhead.
Observed avalanche activity: Yes
Avalanches: 3 x D1.5’s from ~Friday/Saturday on SE-S ridgecrests ~40º
~D2.5/D3 on Ski Hayden same time frame
Weather: Today, Clear with strong N winds NTL & ATL.
Opa’s hut 11,800 was dusted with windblown snow this AM & impressive Plumes on the high peaks >12K.
Snowpack: Thin & highly variable, compared to closer to CB. NTL & ATL, Lot’s of willows & old road cuts showing
Just Localized collapses under foot- no further propagation while passing over willows, over 4 days of touring.
NTL/ATL: Highly Variable to local wind patterns, many slopes blown to gravel or big wind drifted pillows.
N BTL @ 11,500: HS 140cm in forest w/o wind effect. Sugar at the ground w/ Fist resistance.
photos @12,200 on Little Italian pass & M&M chutes
Photos:
