Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
December 28, 2022Submitted:
December 29, 2022Observer:
Geoff Unger | Key ObserverZone or Region:
Mammoth LakesLocation:
Mammoth Crest Persistent Slab CrownsSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedAdvanced Information
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Comments | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Past 48 hours |
Mammoth Crest NE 10800 |
D2 | HS | O-Old Snow | 50+ | N-Natural | There have been many avalanche observations from the last storm. Each has its location in the range, aspect and elevation. What is notable about the old crowns we observed near the Mammoth Crest is the failure layer of the avalanches. It was not just wind or new snow that produced them, but old, faceted snow from early November. And with crowns that already produced avalanches in previous storm cycles. If I had better photos I would show you a half a dozen more avalanche fracture lines below the Mammoth Crest. In the coming days there will be a new load on these old weak layers and we should remain vigilant when we head into exposed treeline and above treeline terrain. |
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