Public Observation

Observation Details

Observations

Today I observed the glide avalanche debris on Mono Jim. In a season of impressive avalanche activity, this was another noteworthy one. The avalanche ran on the ground and left a very large debris field. It was interesting to compare this glide avalanche to the human triggered wet slab avalanche that ran only one gully to the south, maybe a day or so prior. Both fracture lines were at roughly similar elevations and aspects.

I also found it interesting to note that glide cracks in this zone are consistently found on NE aspects around 9,500'. Every gully with a similar NE aspect on Mono Jim has glide cracks and I also observed a significant set of glide cracks on McGee Mtn above Tobacco Flat on a similar aspect and elevation as the Mono Jim cracks.

Seeing the destructive potential of this glide avalanche further highlighted to me the hazard related to the cracks on Mono Jim looming above the Convict Lake trail.

I also observed a small slab avalanche on a NNE aspect around 10,600' in Old Man's Bowl. It appears to have begun as a wet loose slide that triggered a small wet slab.

Regarding snow quality, I skied off McGee on a NE aspect at 1100 today, which was the right time. A little later would have been fine too.

Observed Avalanches

Signs of Unstable Snow