Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 20, 2022
Submitted:
January 20, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Josh Hirshberg
Zone or Region:
Stevens Pass
Location:
Big Chief Mtn (4050-5600ft, SE-NW)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

A profile at ridge top at 5,560ft on Big Chief Mtn, SPMR.
Large melt forms (polycrystals) on a 2mm grid, found in the top 10cm of the snowpack. 5,560ft Big Chief Mtn, SPMR, Stevens Pass.
Debris from a very large D3 avalanche, containing trees. Likely ran around January 12. Near Swiftwater picnic area. Tumwater Cyn
https://youtu.be/QMClYs3N-jU

Advanced Information

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
1 Jan 12, 2022
() 		Swift Water, Tumwater cyn
NE ft 		D3 WL-Wet Loose N-Natural
Debris from a very large D3 avalanche, containing trees. Likely ran around January 12. Near Swiftwater picnic area. Tumwater Cyn
Report
Swift Water, Tumwater cyn

No new avalanches observed. Many older wet slides since Jan 12th

Snowpack Observations

Rain weakened the top 2-3cm. The upper 20cm has transformed to larger melt forms. Snowpack temperatures were below freezing from 20cm below the surface and deeper.
Profile site on Ridge @ 5,560ft
0-2cm F hard, polycrystals, wet
2-10cm P hard, polcrystals, 1.0mm, moist
10-17cm 1F+ hard, melt forms, 0.5mm, moist
17-59cm 1F+ hard, rounds (MF), 0.5, dry

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