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Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
April 8, 2023
Submitted:
April 9, 2023
Zone or Region:
Independence
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Top of first step in Giant Steps Couloir

Observations

Steps were heavily wind eroded. Very steep old hard slab wind loaded roll over at top of first step. Stable. Triggered a small soft slab at the top of the first step. Second step top 50 ft was 3D sastrugi. First two steps had decent, relatively soft windboard with little sun effect. Third step started the same and transitioned to some wet windboard. Once below 10000 ft we saw massive wet slides on all aspects, looked to be potentially less than a week old.

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
14000
Aspect:
NE
Comments:
Four inch fresh soft slab

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported
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