22-23

Large natural avalanche on Fisher Mtn. observed 3/11/23 (screenshots from IG story, A. Mulkey)

(screenshots from IG story)

On a wind exposed northeast aspect between 7400 and 8400', we found about 8 cm of fist hardness new snow capping an older 20-25 cm 1F wind slab over a thin layer of small .3 to .5 mm facet. The slab was stubborn and we observed only minimal cracking at our skis, no shooting cracks, and no reactivity to jumping on test slopes or small ski cuts. There were large cornices at the ridge at 8400'. There were signs in the area of the strong west/northwest wind over night, though the slopes we were on were largely sheltered from that particular wind direction.

On a more sheltered northeast aspect, we found good snow conditions and observed no signs of wind loading.

From obs 3/11/23: "Saw a deep crown today in Republic Valley. This is peak 10383 (just north east of republic peak). Crown looks about 100 feet wide and probably 5 feet deep. Couldn’t see debris or how far it ran." Photo: J. Mundt

From obs 3/11/23: "Saw a deep crown today in Republic Valley. This is peak 10383 (just north east of republic peak). Crown looks about 100 feet wide and probably 5 feet deep. Couldn’t see debris or how far it ran."

On the afternoon of 3/11/23 there was a large avalanche in the main gully on Town Hill (southerly aspect) above Cooke. Photo: GNFAC