Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 6, 2022
Submitted:
February 6, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Andrew Kiefer
Zone or Region:
West South
Location:
Mt Adams, Morrison Creek (2000-7600ft, E-S-W)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Looking up at the southwest side of Mt Adams from 4600ft on FS-8040
The late January crust was buried by 2-6in of settled snow in wind-sheltered areas. Above treeline, it was exposed as the snow surface on many slopes. Profile dug on NW aspect, 6400ft, HS: 220cm
Wind textured snow softening in the warm afternoon sun with Mt Hood in the background.
Soft, corn-like turns on southerly slopes. Below 6000ft, snow surfaces began to thaw around 11am, while above it took another 1-2hrs for turns like this.
Minor wet loose activity and sticky snow on a SE aspect near 5500ft around 2pm
The east side of Mt St Helens

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
40's°F
Wind:
Calm , SW

Spring-like day with clear sunny skies and calm winds. Temperature inversion was noticeable with cool air below 3000ft and very warm air above with temperatures in the upper 40's F at 1:30pm at 7500ft.

No new avalanches.

Snowpack Observations

Continuous snow began near 1800ft with a significant increase in the height of snow near 4000ft. Above this elevation, there was a thin, breakable surface crust on E-S-W aspects that softened throughout the day. Below, 2-6in of wind affected snow was well bonded to the late January crust which was knife-hard and 2in thick. Below, there were layers of facets, rounded polycrystals, and melt-freeze crusts, but no concerning results in snowpack tests. Above treeline, many slopes were scoured down to the late January crust, which softened on sunny slopes and made for corn-like skiing. The best turns were on steeper S slopes between 6000-75000ft in the early afternoon. Below 6000ft, the surface snow became sticky and wet by 11am, but still made for smooth turns. Cornice formations were not particularly impressive, but a few were sagging on sunny east aspects with evidence of small chunks falling off in recent days.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Wet Loose
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Comments: 2-6in of wet snow on the late January crust
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