Observation: NWAC Observer
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
February 10, 2022Submitted:
February 10, 2022Observer:
NWAC Observer - Robin PenderyZone or Region:
Snoqualmie PassLocation:
Commonwealth Basin (Below tree line and near tree line, S/SW)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedMedia/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly SunnyWind:
Strong , NW
At the pass, we found valley fog and a brisk driving mist. We broke above the fog into sunshine by 4,000 ft. By the end of the day, the fog had totally dissipated.
At ridgelines, winds were strong and gusty from the NW. There is no dry snow at the surface available for transport.
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Photos | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Feb 6, 2022 () |
Red Mountain SW ft |
D2 R2 |
WL-Wet Loose | U-Unknown |
|
Report |
Old wet loose avalanche observed on the SW shoulder of Red Mountain
Snowpack Observations
We found highly variable surface conditions.
On sheltered due south aspects, we found 4-8 inches of wet surface snow. This snow produced wet loose avalanches easily.
On other aspects below and near the treeline, we found a variety of surface conditions ranging from the breakable crust to soft unconsolidated snow. Even within specific features, it was hard to find much consistency or pattern in surface conditions. On SW slopes near and above treeline, the surface snow is starting to get a good melt-freeze cycle going, but it may take a few days before it becomes corn.
Below the surface, I found moist transitioning to dry snow above the late January crust on all solar aspects we traveled on. The snow seemed well bonded to this crust.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wet Loose
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 4-8 inches of moist surface snow Comments: Wet loose avalanches were easy to trigger on small test slopes |