Observation: NWAC Observer
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 21, 2022Submitted:
January 21, 2022Observer:
NWAC Observer - Robin PenderyZone or Region:
West SouthLocation:
Paradise (Near and Above Tree Line, SW-SE)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedMedia/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly SunnyWind:
Strong , WNew/Recent Snowfall:
HN 2-4 cms
Strong gusty winds produced intermitten ground blizzard conditions, and redistributed any surface snow easily.
Scattered clouds and the wind kept it relativly cool, and we did not find much solar impact on the snow surface in the afternoon.
Snowpack Observations
At Paradise, we found a very strong melt freeze crust on the surface. This crust is boot and ski supportable. Travel is currently difficult. We used boot crampons to ascend anything steeper than about 15 degrees. The new snow from last night was very wind effected, and accumulating between rain runnels.
Above tree line, we could see that same melt freeze crust up to around 9,000. Most of the snow from yesterday has been stripped from the crust and redistributed.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cornice
|
|
Unknown |
Several small cornice failures were visible, and looked like they probably occured yesterday (1/20) during the rain event. These cornices did not trigger additional avalanches.