Northern swan survey

Location Name: 
Columbia mtn to Krause creek
Observation date: 
Friday, April 1, 2022 - 12:45

Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
Yes
Observation made by: Public

Tabs

Quick Observation

We bit off a bit of an epic yesterday (4/1) and got nightbushed, so our apologies for the late submission that didn't contribute to 4/2 forecast.  During our Columbia mountain to Krause creek traverse, we found:

  • Plenty of sign of widespread avalanche cycles during the tropical period last week. Those were especially loose wet, wet slab/p slabs on northerly tilt aspects near the crest. Most southerlies had probably slid before this most recent warming or debris had melted significantly.
  • On a NE slope at 7000', we observed multiple avalanches that may include up to 4 problem types! (See photo 1).  Cornice fall and/or many loose wets stepped down to a wet slab release midway down the slope.  Afterwards, judging by the fact that cracks were not filled in by debris, multiple glide cracks opened up.
  • Ski quality stayed low since the southerlies never corned up, mostly cloudy conditions persisted all day.  Traverse quality was high, especially sidehilling. Ski crampons are a great tool.
  • Snow surface was boot supportable crust in almost all places, in line with thick crust reported elsewhere.
  • cornices had shrunken and mostly failed already, at least in this part of swan crest.  Up to 1" of new snow in sheltered areas from Thursday evening showers.  No signs of instability and absolutely a low danger day.  
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details: 
Hide Terrain
Elevation of observation: 
3500-5000 ft
5000-6500 ft
Above 6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation: 
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Sunday, March 27, 2022 - 12:00
Number of avalanches: 
1
Avalanche Type: 
Hard Slab
Failure Plane/Weak Layer: 
Old snow
More information or comments about the avalanche: 

Doris peak N at 7200' persistent slab most likely on the early March AR crust. Possible windslab, did not examine crown or profile. Unsupported slope above cliffs.  Photo 2.

Hide Trigger
Trigger: 
natural
Hide Terrain
Start Zone Slope Angle: 
38
Aspect: 
North
Starting Elevation: 
above-treeline
Hide Size
Destructive Size: 
D2 Could bury, injure, or kill a person.
Relative Size: 
R2 Small
Crown Height: 
1 ft
Avalanche Length (Vertical Run): 
600ft.
Avalanche Width (Average width): 
100ft.
Avalanche Location: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Sunday, March 27, 2022 - 12:00
Number of avalanches: 
1
Avalanche Type: 
Wet Loose
Failure Plane/Weak Layer: 
Old snow
More information or comments about the avalanche: 

10' + tall debris pile at head of Krause creek. Photo 3

Hide Trigger
Trigger: 
natural
Hide Terrain
Start Zone Slope Angle: 
40
Aspect: 
Northwest
Starting Elevation: 
near-treeline
Hide Size
Destructive Size: 
D3 - Could destroy a car, a wood house, or snap trees
Relative Size: 
R3 Medium
Crown Height: 
2 ft
Avalanche Length (Vertical Run): 
1200ft.
Avalanche Width (Average width): 
500ft.
Avalanche Location: