Observation type
Snowpack​

Observer
Joseph Esparza

Keep me anonymous if published
no

Location (general area)
San Gorgonio Wilderness (Big Draw Chutes)

Latitude


Longitude


Date (yyyymmdd)
20220114

Time
10am

Road conditions to area
Clear

Temperature
40F

Sky
Scattered clouds (3/8 to 4/8)

Wind speed
Calm (smoke rises vertically)

Wind direction
not observed

Wind direction in degrees


Slope aspect
North

Aspect in degrees


Slope angle
30-35

Elevation
10600'-11000'

Snow depth
2-3'

Boot/ Ski penetration


Precipitation
None
​
Activity, recent avalanches
yes

Brief description
Obvious windslab avalanche breakoffs on NW/W facing sides of San G massif.

Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
no

Rapid warming
yes

Obvious avalanche path
yes

Terrain trap
yes

Comment
Generally solid conditions most of the day. The approach to Big Draw Bowl is rough in spots. Lots of post-holing from 8200'-10,000', especially on south-facing aspects. Big Draw bowl has a stable and consolidated snowpack. The chutes off of Jepson Peak and the NW/W chutes off San Gorgonio have breakoff points from likely wind-slap avalanches. Some rockfall in those chutes. Big Draw East Chute (10,500'-11,200') was solid and punchy until the last 100', when it turned firm and fast/slide for life. The route to the summit was doable in boots. Ice-Rink conditions on the San G-Jepson saddle were present, even crampons did not bite well. Big Draw Chute West (Main) was heavily corniced, and just above it. The main chute itself was firm and generally consolidated. Cornices were present on the tops of both chutes, but were much larger on Big Draw West (Main). Be prepared for the full gamut of snow conditions in the San Gorgonio Wilderness from ice to post-holing. 

Publish this observation
Yes I would like this observation Published

NW/W Chutes. Rockfall and wind-slabs up top.

On the Big Draw Chute East looking toward Jepson Peak