Avalanche: Turnagain

Location: Seattle Ridge -Glide avalanche near "Uptrack"

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Skinned up Tincan Commons, route from the parking pull-out.

Avalanche Details
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Trigger NaturalRemote Trigger0
Avalanche Type Wet SlabAspect Southeast
Elevation 2900ftSlope Angle 38deg
Crown Depth3ftWidth 80ft
Vertical Run 1000ft  
Avalanche Details

Glide avalanche released from the upper portion of the slope & ran over an area where a previous glide avalanche had occurred 2 weeks ago. Rapid warmth & the presence of wet loose surface conditions may have contributed to this event. The pocket of slab broke & gathered mass as it slid to the bottom of the slope over 1000' below.

Red Flags
Red flags are simple visual clues that are a sign of potential avalanche danger. Please record any sign of red flags below.
Obvious signs of instability
Recent Avalanches?Yes
Collapsing (Whumphing)?No
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?No
Observer Comments

Wet loose surface avalanches. Deep ski & boot penetration. Frequent glide avalanches. Cornices shedding

Weather & Snow Characteristics
Please provide details to help us determine the weather and snowpack during the time this observation took place.
Weather

+40F with winds 3-5 gusting to 10mph. Mostly sunny

Snow surface

~1" new snow at treeline which was wind battered & sun effected. Below 2400' a deep isothermic snowpack exists with boot penetration +2.5' in areas. Above 2400' a finger hard 1cm thick unsupportable crust exists, just enough to keep you sliding well on top.

Snowpack

Superficial hand pits & surface clues indicate freezing occurred above 2400' & no overnight freezing below that mark. An upside-down ski pole will easily go through the snowpack below treeline. Other than all the visible instabilities there was good snowboarding to be had, although the dog was wallowing & very exhausted.

Photos & Video
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