AST 1 Course - Bald Hills

Avalanche

sprockter · Feb 28, 2021 · Maligne

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Weather

Max Temp
1
Min Temp
-8
Wind Speed
windSpeedLight
Blowing Snow
light
Sky Condition
brokenClouds
Wind Direction
SE
New Snow24 Hours
7
Storm Start Date
2021-02-28
Precipitation Type
snow

5-10cm low density HST fell early this AM with little observed wind affect. This was more snow than anticipated and a small loose dry/wet avalanche cycle occurred in the AFT once the sun came out. We also noted less wind than anticipated in the area with just L, SE winds blowing in the morning. Little to no blowing snow was observed in the ALP; however, we had limited obs today. Temperatures remained below zero with a high of -1C in the parking lot at 1700.

Snowpack

Depth
120
Obs Type
point
Site Aspect
N
Test Fracture
sudden
Test Initiation
moderate
Test Failure Depth
32
Site Elevation Band
tln
Surface Conditions
newSnow
Test Failure Layer Crystal Types
facets

5-10cm low density HST sits atop 25cm of previous HST from last week. This overlies facets to 70cm and DH to ground. HS 120cm @ TL and generally supportive unless stepping over heat sinks. Snowpack unsupportive on snowshoes at BTL. TP @ 2150m on 35 deg. N-facing slope: CTM13 (SP) down 32 on FC ECTN13 down 32 on FC ECTN26 down 70 on DH 6-9mm Slope tests produced hard shear results on DH layer. No other signs of instabilities observed in the field.

Avalanche

Trigger Type
natural
Avalanche Size
1
Start Zone Aspect
S, SW, W
Avalanche Character
looseWet, looseDry
Number Of Avalanches
11-50
Avalanche Observation
12hrsAgo
Weak Layer Crystal Type
stormSnow
Start Zone Elevation Band
tln, btl
Avalanche Occurrence Datetime
2021-02-28T22:00:00.000Z

Small LW/LD cycle occurred this afternoon in the Maligne Valley, most notably along the Maligne Lake Road at Medicine Lake (none reaching the road). AirT @ 1800 was +1C at the lake. Also noted a few LD avalanches at TL. All size 1, triggered by solar radiation, and from the 5-10cm of snow that fell this AM. No slab avalanche activity observed today.