Date of Observation: 12/27/2022
Name: Tom Schaefer
Zone: Northwest Mountains
Route Description: Snow safety mitigation Irwin tenure E aspect 11’600′ 37 deg slope angle.
Observed avalanche activity: Yes
Avalanches: #1 HS-AB-R2-D2-O. 40 cm’s X 55m X 60m
#2 HS-ASu-R2-D2-O. 40 cm’s X 40m X 60m
Both failed on a thin layer of 1mm FC above a thin MFC 30 cm’s above the ground.
Avalanche #2 was triggered unintentionally from the flank mid slope as we tiptoed onto it after a cover shot was placed higher on the slab.
Weather: OVC, 32 deg. SW 20-30 mph.
Snowpack: HS 30-80 cm’s variable snow pack ranging from wind stiffened to pockets of weak facets and sun crusts.
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