Observation type
Snowpack​

Observer
Gianna "Brielle" DeVine

Keep me anonymous if published
no

Location (general area)
The top of the western facing aspect of the Baldy Bowl

Latitude


Longitude


Date (yyyymmdd)
20220101

Time
0710

Road conditions to area
Light Ice

Temperature


Sky
clear (no clouds)

Wind speed
Strong (26-38mph Whole trees in motion)

Wind direction
not observed

Wind direction in degrees


Slope aspect
South

Aspect in degrees


Slope angle


Elevation
9200

Snow depth


Boot/ Ski penetration
Calf Deep ("Bootpen Test")

Precipitation
None
Activity, recent avalanches
yes

Brief description
Roller Balls, Slab, Fresh Crowns and Avalance Debris

Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
yes

Rapid warming
no

Obvious avalanche path
yes

Terrain trap
no

Comment
At around 9,200' at the top of the Baldy Bowl south of the Mount San Antonio summit I decided to do a quick slab check by isolating a 30x30cm square of ice and then giving it a tug to get a sense of the snowpack. Before I could finish isolating the square, the top portion (slab) slid off of the snow layer beneath it and slid about a meter down slope. I decided to do the same thing a little further climber's right incase the area I chose has been tread on and that was influencing my check. Moved about 3 meters east and did the same thing with the same result (separated and slid before being fully isolated; let alone even giving me a chance to stress test it). Inspected the snow in the small hole that now existed and it looked like faceted snow with a strong layer resting on top. Turned around from there and advised people as I went down when they asked why I was heading back / didn't summit.


Other notes: On the way I up I observed large roller balls starting around 7,400', and when dawn broke on the bowl there were fresh crowns and avalanche debris all over the bowl (except the western facing aspect).

Publish this observation
Yes I would like this observation Published