Gorge: Getting Western at the Avalanche Ranch

Avalanche

Dan Kilburn · Jan 14, 2021 · Jordan

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Quick report

Weather
windy, warm
Ride Type
mellowSlopes
Stayed Away
alpineSlopes, steepSlopes, convexSlopes
Riding Quality
OK
Snow Conditions
crusty, deepPowder
Avalanche Conditions
avalancheConditionSlab

Large widespread Na Avalanche cycle occurred last night/early this morning at the peak of the storm. We observed evidence of two large avalanches in steep north facing terrain at tree line 2m+ crown lines and quite destructive (size 3) potentially stepping down to older weak layers. Numerous smaller storm slab releases were observed at TL and Alpine to size 1.5 and around 20cms deep.

Snowpack

Touchy conditions with storm slab sits on wide spread 5-10mm surface hoar layer and a week crust below that down 20-30cm

Avalanche

Large destructive avalanche cycle TL and Alp up the gorge last night early today Many small size 1 to 1.5 avalanches observed in the new storm snow And Two large size 3 avalanches observed