Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 17, 2022
Submitted:
January 17, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Andy Harrington
Zone or Region:
West South
Location:
Paradise

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Media/Attachments

Above the black card is a few inches of softened melt forms. Below is a series of crusts and melt forms in the upper snowpack. HS = 305 S 5590'
Runnels/rills, as well as cracking were evident everywhere below ~7000 feet.
Recent avalanches and cornice failures
Firm surfaces slowly softened throughout the day in many locations due to warm temperatures and sunshine.
Recent avalanche activity

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Mostly sunny with a few dark and ominous clouds making their way into the area throughout the day. Above Pan point, it was much windier than down below. Temperatures were warm.

Plenty of evidence of recent avalanches but didn't see any new ones during our time out. Did see some wind transporting snow at higher elevations on the mountain.

Snowpack Observations

The upper snowpack consists of multiple crusts, melt forms, and rounded grains with no identifiable layers of concern. Snow was more wind-pressed at upper elevations and more springlike diurnal at lower elevations. It didn't take long until firm surfaces transitioned to a few inches of softened melt forms over a thicker crust. Significant runnels/rills are present everywhere below ~7000 feet.

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