Observation type
Snowpack/ Avalanche

Observer
Allen Giernet

Keep me anonymous if published
no

Location (general area)
Crystal Lake basin Angeles Forest

Latitude

Longitude

Date (yyyymmdd)
20191227

Time
1022

Road conditions to area
Plowed but icy at last two miles

Temperature
0C

Sky
clear (no clouds)

Wind speed
Moderate (17-25mph Small trees sway/ flags stretched)

Wind direction
NW

Wind direction in degrees

Slope aspect
West

Aspect in degrees

Slope angle
36

Elevation
7,485'

Snow depth
93cm

Boot/ Ski penetration
20cm SP

Precipitation
None

Activity, recent avalanches
yes

Brief description
2 avalanches on west aspects near 7,800' & 1 on a South aspect 

Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
yes

Rapid warming
no

Obvious avalanche path
yes

Terrain trap
no

Comment
5100’ 09:15
14-18” HS
Wind C
Sky C

09:40!snow falling off trees. Rapid warming 

10:22 5,783’ 2.5’HS

Noon avi debris W aspect some rocks. Probably yesterday eve 6,580’ looks to be about 800’ started off rocks above due to solar warming at the end of the day when the clouds cleared most likely. 

Observed a similar avalanche on another west aspect to the southeast of our location 

Another avalanche was observed in fairly due south aspect at a higher elevation some distance away. Probably from early today again originating at a rock band and most likely due to the solar influence. 

13:30 WNW wind slab collapse and shooting cracks

Tested another wind slab on a switch back and got some easy fracture. 

Windslabs were isolated but many on mostly on west to northwest aspects. Extensive signs of wind effects along ridges and lots of cross loading in gullies. 

Northwest winds picked up around 2:00 pm with significant wind transport. Upper ridges and peaks had large snow banners at times. Wind activity continued until after dark. 
Late afternoon on the way observed many small wet slabs off of rock areas and from trees dropping snow. Korea of roller balls. Mostly due south and southeast aspects. 

Publish this observation
Yes I would like this observation Published

Avalanche Debris

pit profile