Observation type
Snowpack​

Observer
Joseph Esparza

Keep me anonymous if published
no

Location (general area)
Ontario Peak Ridge/Icehouse Canyon

Latitude


Longitude


Date (yyyymmdd)
20220121

Time
12pm

Road conditions to area
Clear 

Temperature
30°F, windchill at 5°F to 15°F

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

Wind speed
Extreme (>38mph gale force or +)

Wind direction
N

Wind direction in degrees


Slope aspect
not observed

Aspect in degrees


Slope angle


Elevation


Snow depth
3' to 4' above 8000'

Boot/ Ski penetration


Precipitation
None
​
Activity, recent avalanches
yes

Brief description
Icehouse Canyon, uncountable wet slide tracks.

Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
no

Rapid warming
no

Obvious avalanche path
yes

Terrain trap
yes

Comment
Extreme winds kept snow very firm above Icehouse Saddle. Winds on the ridge were sustained at 50mph to 70mph, with 100mph gusts. Some cornices on the ridge from the usual prevailing westerlies. Snow was about 3 to 4' above 8000'. Very icy/slide for life after 3pm. As previously mentioned in other reports, there are uncountable amounts of wet slides in Icehouse Canyon and pinwheels frozen in place from previous days. There are some sections of avalanche debris blocking the trail near the saddle. Avalanche paths on both south and north facing slopes. 

Publish this observation
Yes I would like this observation Published

Ontario Ridge looking east

Wet slides in Icehouse