Date of Observation: 02/07/2022
Name: Tim Brown
Zone: Southeast Mountains
Route Description: SE side of Gothic Mtn
Observed avalanche activity: Yes
Avalanches: Shaded easterly aspects near treeline w/ 1.5-2m snow depth: Ski cuts on 35°+ slopes produced shallow dry loose snow avalanches that moved slowly and only entrained the top 6″ of faceted snow directly below tracks. Slopes needed to be around 40° for sluffs to gain enough mass and velocity to be self-sustaining and “pushy.” Got a couple collapses on old and isolated windslabs with propagation up to 5m around skis and up to 8″ deep, but quickly tapering at their margins.
Weather: Clear, calm, cool and cloud-free
Snowpack: Solid mid-pack with up to 6″ of facets or supportive crust with up to 2″ of facets on the surface