Observation 1/22/2022
Observations on the Orebed/Saddleback Slide
Saddleback Mountain
Date & Time
1/22/2022 alternate_email 11:30 AM
Location
Saddleback Mountain
Elevation & Aspect
~3,000 / Northeast
Mode of Travel
Skiing/Snowboarding
Red Flags
Whumpfing/Collapsing, Drifting Snow / Windloading
Observation Details
Although snow cover is thin on some parts of this slide with ice flows scattered throughout the terrain, It is evident that wind loading is occurring on N/NE aspects and on the middle and upper sections of this slide. Surface crystals up to 2mm were found on top of the snowpack as well and could potentially create a weak layer when more snow falls on top of it. an extended column test showed ECTN 12, and a shovel shear test released a slab with minimal effort.