Observation: NWAC Forecaster
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
March 2, 2022Submitted:
March 2, 2022Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Andrew KieferZone or Region:
Mt HoodLocation:
Pea Gravel Ridge (4500-6500ft, all aspects)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedMedia/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
ObscuredTemperature:
30-36°FWind:
Light , SWNew/Recent Snowfall:
5in HN24, 4.5in HSTW since 2/26Steady precipitation throughout the day with rain up to 4500ft, rain/snow mix to 5500ft, and all snow above 5500ft with 5in of new snow in the past 24 hours. Light SW winds and poor visibility.
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Photos | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Feb 28, 2022 () |
Clark Canyon E ft |
D3.5 R3 |
U-Unknown | N-Natural |
|
Report |
A very large avalanche released from high in the alpine and ran into Clark Canyon depositing wet debris down to 5600ft. It is suspected that the avalanche occurred on 2/28.
Snowpack Observations
Below treeline, the snowpack handled the recent rain well, a testament to how strong and spring-like it is following the warm and dry weather throughout most of January and February. Around 5500ft and above, 2-5in of moist new snow sits atop 1ft of older wet, saturated snow. Besides the D3 natural from Monday, no evidence of other natural activity was observed. However, wet loose avalanches were very easy to trigger within the 2-5in of new snow on all slopes 35 degrees and steeper. These avalanches ran very slowly, but entrained significant mass and ran far downslope.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wet Loose
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 3/2 |