Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 6, 2022
Submitted:
March 6, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Katie Warren
Zone or Region:
East Central
Location:
French Cabin Creek (2200-4500ft)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Snow surfaces remained supportable to boots and snowmobiles.
Small wet loose avalanches in steep rocky terrain.
Runneled surfaces that softened in the sun. Tracks show the soft but supportable snow and fun riding conditions.
Small wet loose avalanches in steep rocky terrain.
Wet loose avalanche that likely ran during the Feb 28th storm hit the groomed snowmobile trail.
Thin layer of well developed facets were observed on the surface on northern aspects.
Faceted crystals from the surface of a shady slope.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Wind:
Calm

Generally mild temperatures and clear skies with a few clouds floating by occasionally.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
1 Feb 28, 2022
() 		Thorp Creek
N 4500ft 		D1
R2 		WL-Wet Loose N-Natural
Wet loose avalanche that likely ran during the Feb 28th storm hit the groomed snowmobile trail.
Report
Thorp Creek

Very small wet loose avalanches could be observed in very steep rocky terrain on sun-exposed slopes.

One larger (D1) was observed that ran onto the groomed snowmobile trail, this avalanche likely occurred during the February 28th storm.

Snowpack Observations

Elevations below 3500ft have a thin snowpack and areas of bare ground. Above that snowpack depths ranged from 100cm to 170cm. Northern and shady slopes remained frozen and held a thin layer of 3mm faceted snow on the surface. The top 3-5cm of snow on Southern aspects softened in the sun, making for pleasant corn-like conditions. On all aspects, the snowpack remained supportable for walking and riding.

At 4000ft on a northeast aspect, I found a generally strong snowpack with a number of crusts with varying hardness in the top 100cm. The Valentine's crust is buried approximately 20cm with small, moist, rounding facets beneath.

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