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Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Professional Observation

       

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 14, 2023
Submitted:
February 14, 2023
Observer:
Barbara Wanner | Key Observer
Zone or Region:
Lee Vining
Location:
Natural Wind Slab in Dream Bowl

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

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

Key Points

  • Natural wind slab in Dream Bowl.
  • D 1.5 , HS, crown 15 cm to 40 cm deep and about 100 m wide.
  • P hard WS ran on facets buried by the most recent wind event. Seemed to have stepped down and entrained the older wind slab form February 4/5. Bed surface was P hard and there appears to have been another layer of facets buried underneath the older wind slab.
  • The avalanche ran about 200 m in distance and 350 ft in elevation.
  • Startzone NE at 10,200 ft.
  • I think this avalanche must have run at some point during the last 48 hrs. The debris was covered with a dusting of new snow from today.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Temperature:
below freezing
Wind:
Moderate , W

Avalanche Observations

Quick crown profile 1

Quick crown profile 2 in slightly different spot.

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