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Observation: Abajos

Observation Date
2/3/2019
Observer Name
Kevin Dressel
Region
Abajos
Location Name or Route
Buckboard Trees
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Strong wind turned to moderate generally from the SW. Cloud cover varied from few to broken throughout the day
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
10"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Wind affected snow that surprisingly skied well. Mostly supportable, creamy, smooth, and fast. Low elevation had a distinct density inversion. Difficult skinning and breaking through making turns.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
10" medium to heavy snow on a very weak layer on the ground with strong wind overnight.
I didn't want to mess with North Creek today with the new snow and strong winds. I was up there yesterday to look at the avalanche activity from about 10 days ago. It seems like any steep enough pitch wants to go. There are several slopes that have crossed the road, but some that have not yet. Decided to check out some low angle trees and look into
Buckboard bowl that slid recently. On the low angle walk up, had several collapses. Very little cracking. Not steep enough. I measured several times and the steepest slope I was on was just under 30 deg.
Avalanche from 10 days ago near North Creek Pass
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High