Ward Canyon and West Grouse

Location Name: 
West Grouse
Region: 
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Observation Date & Time: 
Sunday, December 1, 2019 - 10:00
Location: 
39.130972, -120.248825
See map: CalTopo
Is this an Avalanche Observation?: 
No


Conditions Alerts:

  • Other Signs of Instability (cracking, whumpfing, collapsing)›Collapsing / whumpfing noises
  • Rapid or Prolonged Warming›Rain on Snow
  • Rapid or Prolonged Warming›Rollerballs / Pinwheels
  • Rapid or Prolonged Warming›Warm Temperatures
Observation made by: Public

Tabs

Observation
Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions: 

Rain snow mix below 7500

Small skier triggered wet loose activity on steep slopes around 7400

Rime crust under 3”-6” of new storm snow on wind exposed higher elevation SW-SE aspects providing for much better skiing and much more supportable skinning

CTV SP results on layer 25cm from the ground

Collapse felt at 8200' NE facing slope in low angle open trees when snowboarder made big turn next to stationary skier
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