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Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 6, 2022
Submitted:
December 6, 2022
Zone or Region:
Mammoth Lakes
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Earthquake Dome

Observations

Toured up Earthquake Dome this morning. 9F, clear and no wind at 0630. New snow was fairly supportable with 10-20cm ski pen and 1m+ boot pen. Coverage on N and E aspects is good. No natural slide activity observed.

While breaking trail on the N side we crossed a treeless, exposed 10m wide convexity with a maximum angle of ~30deg. As the third member of our party crossed this feature, they felt collapsing and we heard a loud whumpf. A 1cm wide, 8m long crack was observed 5m upslope from the trigger point.

We elected to descend on some less steep, more protected terrain to the E of our skin track. Riding conditions were enjoyable and no additional signs of instability were observed.

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
No
Avalanche Type:
Size:
Elevation:
Aspect:
Comments:

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Isolated
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
Yes, Isolated
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