Observation: Public
Observation Details
Name:
Hough-Snee, Vognild, HoneyfieldObservation Date:
February 26, 2022Submitted:
February 27, 2022Zone or Region:
Stevens PassActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Nason Creek metro areaObserved Avalanches
Did you observe any avalanches?
YesAvalanche Type:
Wet LooseSize:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a personElevation:
5000'Aspect:
SWComments:
Multiple wet loose initiated on 25 Feb, with most gouging down to the Valentine's day crust.Signs of Unstable Snow
Observations
With cold easterly flow rushing through the pass, we toured around several of the small peaks near the Crest. Winds were strong at ridgeline and blew out overnight clouds and rime, with the cool inversion being late to settle out. We found:
Solars: crusts ranging from breakable 4-8 cm with some stout edgeable to 15cm. Surface hoar, including rimed over surface hoar forms on Tye Peak, was widespread on the snow surface. Faceted snow was pervasive beneath the crust.
Polars: northerly slopes consisted of fast skiing on faceted storm snow from the storm beginning 19 Feb. Surface hoar capped this weak snow. In areas with filtered sunlight and any leanings east or west, you could find slight crusts under the SH.
Take away: the new storm is coming in on very weak upper snowpack at all aspects and elevations near the Cascade Crest.
Prospectus: widespread avalanche activity is likely on the observed weak snow, peaking with the forecasted 2" of water on Monday.
Media
