Smith Basin / Crossing Creek

Avalanche

jfloyer · Mar 2, 2017 · Northwest Inland

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Quick report

Weather
windy, warm, cloudy
Ride Type
mellowSlopes, openTrees
Stayed Away
alpineSlopes, convexSlopes, steepSlopes
Riding Quality
Good
Snow Conditions
powder
Avalanche Conditions
avalancheConditionSnow, avalancheConditionSlab

Evidence of a recent avalanche cycle generally up to size 1.5 with one larger avalanche observed (see avalanche tab). Midpack is supportive, but weak sugary facets and depth hoar can be found at the base of the snowpack. On account of the recent storm snow and weak basal facets, we stuck to conservative terrain.

Avalanche

Most likely initiated during the most recent storm on Wednesday and stepped down to a lower weak layer of sugary facets/depth hoar. Ran about 2/3rds of the way down the path. Other smaller avalanches also noted in area that were confined to the storm snow.