February 22
Area:
Gobblers Knob
Location:
Bowman to Yellow Jacket to the ridge, following the ridge up and over the top of Gobblers decending down the shoulder to Porter Fork road.
Elevations, slope angles and aspects:
6200’-10400’
Avalanche activity:
Repeater slide in Middle Bowl Alexander Basin, 50’ wide. Large slide upper east facing Alexander, 150’+ including part of the skier’s left saddle area, running over 1000’ vertical.
Skier triggered slide in Butler Basin and
the heli bombing aftermath.
Slopes skied:
Gobblers shoulder out Porter Fork.
Snow surface and conditions:
Melting snow to around 7000’. Above that the winds were moving snow, with drifting and scouring dependent on the wind channeling. Up on the ridges snow was scoured to bare ground in places on the west and northwest facing, drifting to unknown depths on the east facing.
Weather:
Overcast and windy with gust exceeding 50 mph. Mild temperatures.
Evaluation:
Winds were moving enough snow to have some concerns about large natural avalanches on the lee slopes. Two recent slides were observed. I’d expect a few more prior to the decreasing wind. Forecast snow totals would indicate enough possible weight added to continue the pattern of pocket slides in the weakest snow areas receiving the most snow and wind. Doubtful the snow totals would lead to a widespread natural cycle unless the winds continue during and after the snow event.
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