Date of Observation: 12/04/2022
Name: Benn Schmatz
Zone: Northwest Mountains
Route Description: Traveled from Gothic along Rustlers Gulch Road up onto the lower slopes of Mount Bellview. Knowing the severe instability of northerly slopes we were curious how
South aspects are faring.
Observed avalanche activity: Yes
Avalanches: R2 avalanche in the top of the bowl on Mount Bellview under the cornice. R1 avalanche seen in Gnarnia on East face of Baldy as well
Weather: Mid 20’s. 5/8 to 8/8 clouds calm wind
Snowpack: Cracking and collapsing was constant during our tour except for slopes that were bare prior to the most recent storm cycle. We picked a slope similar in aspect to the upper slopes of Mount Bellview and found a very cohesive storm slab covered by 11cm of fresh, light snow. The slab is resting upon a firm layer of old snow form October and Novemeber. This firm layer of old snow was covered in a weak layer of weak deformed grains (facets or hoar… hard to tell). This layer under the slab failed an extended column test at 22 taps.
