Date of Observation: 01/30/2023
Name: Irwin Guides
Zone: Northwest Mountains
Route Description: Irwin Tenure
Observed avalanche activity: Yes
Avalanches: SS-ASc-R1-D1-I 35cm X 100′ X 80′ EBM below Bender cliff band. Numerous small storm slabs 6-12″ thick E/W aspects NTL.
Weather: Today started out windy to say the least with SW winds in the 40’s for a six hour run and gusts in the 70’s. Mid day things tapered off a bit as winds shifted to the W. Snowed S-1 until this afternoon, snowing S3 at times.
Snowpack: NTL/ATL W was getting scoured until the later part of the day. Significant loading on E. Storm slab became more reactive to AS as the day progressed. Only traveled E in the AM as visibility allowed observed significant loading and wind wales below cliff bands.