Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 15, 2022
Submitted:
February 15, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Andrew Kiefer
Zone or Region:
Mt Hood
Location:
MHM Heather Canyon (all aspects, 4600-6600ft)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Media/Attachments

Two large explosive-triggered avalanches in Heather Canyon (E aspect, 7400ft). The avalanches failed within new and wind drifted snow and at the new/old snow interface with variable crown depths of 6-18in.
The crown of an explosive-triggered avalanche on an east aspect near 7200ft in Heather Canyon. SS-AA-R2-D2-S
The crown of an explosive-triggered avalanche on an east aspect near 7200ft in Heather Canyon. SS-AA-R2-D2-S
Wind affected snow above treeline with soft textured drifts next to the scoured icy old snow surface
Rollerballs and pinwheels in the Potato Patch (W aspect, 5200ft)
Small, natural dry loose avalanches in Heather Canyon (N aspect, 5200ft)

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
25°F
Wind:
Strong , NW
New/Recent Snowfall:
8-10in HST 2/14-15

Brief periods of clouds with generally clear, sunny skies. Strong and gusty NW winds above treeline. Temperatures in the mid 20s F.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
2 Feb 15, 2022
() 		Heather Canyon
E 7400ft 		D2
R2 		SS-Soft Slab S-New Snow 0.5ft AA-Artillery
Two large explosive-triggered avalanches in Heather Canyon (E aspect, 7400ft). The avalanches failed within new and wind drifted snow and at the new/old snow interface with variable crown depths of 6-18in.
The crown of an explosive-triggered avalanche on an east aspect near 7200ft in Heather Canyon. SS-AA-R2-D2-S
The crown of an explosive-triggered avalanche on an east aspect near 7200ft in Heather Canyon. SS-AA-R2-D2-S
Report
Heather Canyon

Snowpack Observations

The 8-10in of recent storm snow is heavily wind affected near and above treeline but appears generally well bonded to the Valentine's Day Crust. The new snow improved riding conditions, but plenty of upper elevation slopes are scoured to the old, icy snow surface, creeks are still open, and many ridgelines and wind exposed slopes are still thin or completely bare. Snow surfaces on sunny slopes started to thaw by noon with minor rollerballs and pinwheels observed.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Wind Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Layer Depth/Date: 6-18in/February 14
Wet Loose
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
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