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 |