Observation type
Snowpack

Observer
Ian bryant 

Keep me anonymous if published
no

Location (general area)
Mt Burnham 

Latitude

Longitude

Date (yyyymmdd)
2023/04/23

Time
1400

Road conditions to area

Temperature
65

Sky
clear (no clouds)

Wind speed
not observed

Wind direction
not observed

Wind direction in degrees

Slope aspect
North

Aspect in degrees
35

Slope angle

Elevation

Snow depth

Boot/ Ski penetration
Shin

Precipitation
None

Activity, recent avalanches
No

Brief description

Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
no

Rapid warming
yes

Obvious avalanche path
yes

Terrain trap
yes

Comment
April 22-23 2023

Long hauled 9 miles west of big pines for an overnight trip on the closed ACH. PCT hikers have just started to come through the area leaving somewhat of a worn path through still extremely deep avalanche run outs over the bench of ACH. The highway is still remarkably buried deep from BP to our destination 3 miles west of VG and beyond. Deepest is approx 25’+ under MB, which leads me to believe that we may not see ACH open until mid summer or not at all. The myriad of avalanche debris that are just now revealing themselves through the spring thaw is extensive and impressive.

Above average temps and little to no refreeze below 9k yielded variable snow surfaces from hard fast firm to shin/knee penetration, even with ascension plates.

Shallow glide cracks near and between steeper rock outcroppings were observed on some of the steeper north aspects approx 3-4’ deep. 

Wet loose instability was observed over the warm weekend will only small rider triggered slides no longer than the width of our boards on descent, and none of which ran further than 10-15’.

There are still overhanging cornices that have yet to fail even under the late April sun angle and warm temps. 

Great corn to harvest when your descents are timed well. 

Publish this observation
Yes I would like this observation Published

Large overhanging cornices at 9k

What road?