Observation type
Snowpack

Observer
Chad Nelson

Keep me anonymous if published
no

Location (general area)
Mt. Baden Powell

Latitude

Longitude

Date (yyyymmdd)
20220112

Time
1600

Road conditions to area
Dry with snow on shoulder

Temperature
50 F

Sky
few clouds (up to 2/8)

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

Wind direction
SW

Wind direction in degrees

Slope aspect
North

Aspect in degrees

Slope angle
30

Elevation
9000

Snow depth
3-6 fy

Boot/ Ski penetration
6-18 in

Precipitation
None

Activity, recent avalanches
yes

Brief description
Skied Baden Powell from false summit eventually into N gulley with avalanche debris.

Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
no

Rapid warming
no

Obvious avalanche path
yes

Terrain trap
yes

Comment
Incredible amount of snow on North aspects of Baden Powell. I would guess over 6 feet of base near the 9000’ level, at least in drifts. I made the mistake of following the fall line about halfway down the mountain into the bowling alley of the main gulley that was full of a great deal of wet slide debris. The sides of the gulley were very icy and it some alarming 1-2 ft crowns were visible. I was not worried at the time as it was getting dark and there was minimal stuffing or movement. The safest line right now is to ski down where the trail comes up. On steeper aspect I noticed a few inches of stuff on the way up, but overall conditions were consolidated, however I was not on the mountain during a warm or sunny part of the day. Google said the road was at Inspiration Point but it was open all the way to Vincent Gulch. 

Definitely a great opportunity to ski Baden Powell now but I would stay out of any gullies, avoid warm and sunny times of day, and stick to well treed and lower angle slopes. 

If you are a gunner and have eyed the Northeast couloirs, this could be a time to ski those at your own risk if you are willing to hike out a little bit. 

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