Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 19, 2022
Submitted:
January 19, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Katie Warren
Zone or Region:
East Central
Location:
Thorp Creek (2200-3800ft Primarily North and East aspects)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Media/Attachments

Evidence of an old large slab avalanche near the ridge, and small wet loose avalanches likely triggered from snow falling off tree and rocks. Snowpack is likelt well adjusted to receive additional warm temperatures and rain.
Runneled surfaces in the Thorp Creek Drainage

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
35°F
Wind:
Calm

Warm temperatures and clear skies.

Snowpack Observations

Traveled from the French Cabin SnoPark up the Thorp Creek drainage. Thick crusts existed on all surfaces and it was challenging and time-consuming to keep the snowmobile from overheating.

Snowpack surfaces are runneled and capped with a thick 13cm P MF crust. The crust was almost supportable and randomly breaking through easily left you thigh deep in the snowpack. Below the crust, there is 35cm of large and weak 4F melt forms. The lower pack was strong small rounded grains interspersed with a few decomposing MF crusts from December. Percolation columns were visible to the ground.

HS 135 @ 3800ft on a north aspect.

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