Observation type
Avalanche

Observer
Annonymous

Location (general area)
NE aspects of Shields Peak (South Fork Trailhead)

Latitude

Longitude

Date (yyyymmdd)
20190219

Time
1200

Road conditions to area
Clear

Temperature
24-29F

Sky
clear (no clouds)

Wind speed
Light (1-16mph Flags/twigs in motion)

Wind direction
not observed

Wind direction in degrees

Slope aspect
not observed

Aspect in degrees

Slope angle

Elevation
8500

Snow depth

Boot/ Ski penetration

Precipitation
light

Activity, recent avalanches
yes
Brief description
Class 3, large runout into a terrain trap. 
​
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
no

Rapid warming
no

Obvious avalanche path
yes

Terrain trap
yes

Comment
Two avalanches noted, both were class 3 and located on NE aspects in open bowls. No visible crowns and runout was filled in with snow from the most recent storm cycle, so both were older. 
North slopes observed and skiied featured heavy wind loading. Sun/wind exposed south facing slopes and ridgelines were pretty bony even at high elevation. No avalanche signs noted on skiied NE aspects within glades. 

Publish this observation
Yes I would like this observation Published

---

Slide.

Second avalache