Path 1183

• Toured up the Wahoo drainage and worked our way up and to the east to crest the ridge at ~5800’.
• This ascent put us on the ridge that separates Wahoo drainage and the next drainage to the east.
• This drainage to the east is unnamed but we refer to it as “Path 1183.”  The reason for the Path 1183 reference is that it geographically correlates with Mile Post 1183 on the BNSF rail grade, is avalanche prone, and has historically conveyed large magnitude avalanche debris on the rail grade.

Objectives were to:

• Observe recent avalanche activity in and near Path 1183
• Assess snow surface conditions in Path 1183
• Conduct a full profile in the upper starting zone of Path 1183.
• Descend Path 1183 back to the rail grade and US Highway 2

• Very small windslab and loose snow avalanche activity was observed in the Wahoo drainage on ascent.  This activity was observed on an easterly (solar) aspect at approximately 5600’ elevation.  It appeared this very small slab was triggered by a point release from above.
• We also observed evidence of small to moderate slab avalanche activity on a northerly aspect at approximately 6000’ elevation.  Residual crown of this avalanche did not appear to be recent.  Geographically, it appeared to be on steeper terrain just above the Wahoo bench where the small pond exists. 

• ~4500’ and below...~2 inches (5 cm) of near surface facets on supportable crust.
• ~4500 to 5800’…     Shaded: 2 mm surface hoar on top of 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) new snow.

Solar: ~1 inch (3 cm) breakable crust with near-surface-facets (NSF) beneath.

• No windloading throughout the day.
• No collapsing or audible failures observed.
• Full profile conducted at 5500’ in Path 1183 on a 38-degree slope with a northeasterly aspect (see profile below). ECTX during an Extended Column Test.
• Clear to partly cloudy skies for the entire field day with excellent visibility at all elevations.
• No precipitation throughout the day with calm to light winds at all elevations.
• Air temperatures were in the teens at lower elevations during the morning hours and 20s °F at upper elevations.
• Mid-day air temperatures had risen to above freezing on all aspects at lower elevations (Below ~4000’) and on solar aspects at elevations up to ~5600’