Observed a large avalanche on a west facing slope approx 10000ft, with a higher crown at 10200'. Crown depth 4-6'. HS-Ns-D2-R2-O . Ran 1000ft and into terrain I had previously considered safe.
A few dry loose avalanches on Climax, plus two small crowns. One was older and drifted in. The other was a small, recent wind slab.
Overnight it snowed 8 inches of low density at the yurt, and an additional 3 inches today.
No avalanches or cr, co observed. Wind loading observed multiple aspects NTL.
On Jan 9 we saw many avalanches of various types and ages. Some occurred today and within the last 24 hours and some were up to a week old. Avalanche types ranged from 3-6' deep and broke on weak layers near the bottom of the snowpack... these were on Abundance east face and north side of Crown Butte and looked 3+ days old.
On Jan 9 we saw a large avalanche on the north side of Fisher Mtn. that happened at some time in the last week (could have been 48 hours to a week old), regardless of timing, this slide further shows the deeper weak layers are a real problem as snowfall continues to adds weight to the snowpack.
On January 10 we saw one 3-4' deep slide that looked like it broke within recent new and wind-drifted snow on the north end of Henderson Mtn. Photo: GNFAC
Jan 10, We dug a pit on Henderson Bench on a northeast facing slope, and one on Scotch Bonnet on a south facing slope (pictured). Both showed a 4' thick strong slab on weaker, faceted snow at the base. The weak layers are not terribly weak and didn't produce concerning test scores, so they may get better when they get a break from snowfall and wind-loading, but for now recent avalanches show these layers are weak enough and will produce more big avalanches as snowfall and wind continue. Photo: GNFAC
