A Closer Look

Took advantage of excellent visibility to travel in Rescue Creek taking a closer look at last weeks large avalanche cycle.

• We noted a handful of slab avalanches that were not observed Tuesday due to clouds. Total slab avalanches in this drainage from last weeks stormy weather is at least 40-50.  
• 2 of the 3 largest slides are confirmed to be Persistent Slabs with maximum crown heights of > 60". We investigated the slide on Mt Penrose which failed on a thin layer of facets above a very thin crust which appeared to be the 2/2 (Groundhog Day) crust. We assume that the Persistent Slab on Nyack Mountain failed on this same layer. Both avalanches were initiated by avalanche debris from above with debris piles up to 15' deep.
• The other large slide appeared to involve most of the east face of Mt Penrose. Fracture lines were observed but we could not confirm the type of avalanche. This debris traveled the furthest down valley terminating at 4900'
• Recent north-east winds have affected large sections of south-facing terrain that we traveled between 5000'-6400'.  A 1-4" wind slab (4F) capped low-density snow with pockets up to 18" deep.