Detailed Observation

https://vimeo.com/user106668057/review/388838156/1470f00119
Date2020-02-01
LocationValdez
ObserverGareth Brown
AvalancheN

General Observations

2/1-Hippie ridge up to 3000′, South aspect, Partly sunny, 0° F, wind calm at the the road becoming moderate to strong above 2500′.

In protected areas experienced a very touchy snowpack.  Large collapses that would travel over 100′ were common as well as shooting cracks that would radiate up to 50′.  We also remotely triggered numerous small pockets 1-2′ deep of unsupported pillows from moderate terrain up to 100′ away.  Hand shear tests produced moderate results.

The faceted layer beneath the new snow in protected areas is very weak.  This was clearly apparent from the amount of signs of instability.

Signs of instability became less apparent as we approached alpine, but never fully went away.  

Did not ski slopes above 30°, did not travel in the alpine.

Video that shows a very small test slope that was reactive.  

Uploaded Images

Weather Observations

Observed Avalanche Activity