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Professional Observation

       

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
April 3, 2022 - April 3, 2022
Submitted:
April 3, 2022
Observer:
Brooke Maushund | Pro Observer
Zone or Region:
McGee Creek
Location:
Esha Peak - past wind loading, moist surfaces

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Key Points

  • Past wind loading evident above choke of 5th Chute up to ridgeline on the NE side of the chute. Be watchful for past wind loading in alpine terrain
  • Timing is paramount, next coming coverage. Dropping around 1110, still triggered some sloughs that were important to manage. Be careful of your timing and be wary of snow building up around your skis. Take it slow if it’s a concern (see video). Watch for warning signs like roller balls and past wet loose slides
  • Given our lower than average snowpack, we don’t have the same “open season” feeling this spring as in other years even if conditions are generally stable. Be aware of sharks that could cause a fall in a bad spot.
  • Crampons, both boot & ski, along with ice axe warranted. Wearing a helmet even during uphill travel – especially given rapid warming and overhead rock/ice hazard – is prudent
  • Precipitation yesterday evening came in as rain up to 9490′, and light graupel above that.

Media

Coverage down low was thin but present
Graupel past 9490' from yesterday evenings mild precip event
Coverage photo of Esha
Small surface slab while booting up lower half of the N Face
Small wind deposit near ridgeline
Wind loading evident in choke of 5th Chute

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Snowpack Observations

Toured up from McGee Creek Rd around 0732. Coverage down low was thin and dirty, but present. Firm and icy surfaces showed signed of mild rain yesterday evening, also causing me to utilize ski crampons after gaining the first bench. Continued like this until the main bench at the base of Esha. Skinning proved easy with ski pen ~6cm. At the middle of the face where one selects which chute to gain, skinning changed drastically to 12cm of moist, soft snow on top of firm icy crust. Here I switched to boot crampons + ice axe, which proved useful and made for easy travel. As I gained elevation, the height of the moist snow over the crust increased 3-6cm in spots.

Dropping down 5th Chute around 1110, the top proved slightly wind loaded and punchy. Getting towards the choke, there was wind loading on the NE side of the chute. Passing through the choke, the snow surface consolidated and softened to corn, however I was causing small sloughs to slide (see video) and made intentional cuts to avoid building up snow around my skis. The ski from the choke down to the end of the snow proved to be fun given the season we’re having, with decent corn.

Avalanche Problems

Wet loose still prevails as the main concern. Signs of small wind slabs in specific, isolated alpine environments worthy of being aware of.

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