Date of Observation: 03/14/2021
Name: Zach Kinler
Zone: Northwest Mountains
Aspect: North, North East
Elevation: 10,000-11,200
Avalanches: Triggered 2 small slabs both running within the new snow on drifted features near and below tree line. Crowns averaged 6-10″.
Weather: Overcast, S1-S2 snow showers with 2′ accumulation during the day. Cold with moderate NW winds in large open areas below tree line and all near tree line locations.
Snowpack: HST 14″ at 3:30 pm. Measured 12″ with .8″ SWE at 10:00. Overnight snowfall was low density at around 6%. Density increased slightly through the day but remained quite enjoyable. Minor cracking was observed only in spots where winds were able to drift snow. Cracking and small slabs were breaking within the new snow in this location. Open slopes near tree line in this terrain were getting cross-loaded by moderate WNW winds throughout the day.
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- Small skier triggered avalanche on an open slope below tree line. Failed within the new snow.
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- Small slab avalanche on a drifted north facing slope NTL. Triggered intentionally on a ski cut above. Failed in the new snow
