Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 20, 2022
Submitted:
February 20, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Josh Hirshberg
Zone or Region:
Stevens Pass
Location:
Skyline Lake area (NW-NE, E-S, 4,000-5,400ft)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Preparing a profile. Skyline ridge area, NNW, 5,280ft
Profile NNW, 5,280ft, Skyline ridge area HN24 98cm over the Valentine's crust. Tests showed non-sudden failures on storm interfaces in the top 25cm and vavorable bond at the Valentine's crust.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured
Wind:
Calm
New/Recent Snowfall:
HST up to 98cm in favored locations

Mostly overcast skies w a few brief breaks around 12p. More clearing near Smithbrook TH and further east. Snowfall all day w brief pauses and prolonged periods of S2 and even S5 snowfall rates (convergence driven?). Calm at 5,400ft ridge tops.

No confirmed avalanches. Potential point release to D1.5, near TL, SE, Lichtenberg but couldn't confirm.

Snowpack Observations

Observed up to 5,400ft. Slope tests found no cracking or slab activity even on unsupported features. Loose surface produces very minimal sluffing. Found up to 98cm of storm snow from the past 24hrs at the top of the pass, less east of the pass. Storm snow was surprisingly stable and well-bonded to new/old and Valentine's crust.

Brief views of the SW face of Lichtenberg to the summit. Light wind features visible and surprised at the minimal amount of wind effect. Guessing snowfall w lighter wind since daybreak blanketed any wind sculpting that occurred overnight.

Profile @ NNW, 5,280ft
HS 380cm HST 98cm
↓12cm CTE(PC)x2, easy tilt test
↓23cm CTE (RP)x2, mod tilt test
↓98cm Valentines crust, CTN, CTH (BRK)

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Dry Loose
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Layer Depth/Date: 2/20, top 25cm
Wind Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
 Unknown
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Layer Depth/Date: 2-4ft, 2/19
Comments: Did not get to assess.
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