Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 13, 2022
Submitted:
March 15, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Dallas Glass
Zone or Region:
West South
Location:
White Pass Backcountry (All aspects near treeline)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Media/Attachments

Shovel tilt test highlighting the 3/8 facets over the Early March Crust
Snowprofile in the White Pass backcountry.
Very small and shallow wind loaded pocket.
Avalanches from the Feb 28 cycle. Second Bowl.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Cloudy
Wind:
Moderate , NW
New/Recent Snowfall:
1-2 inches (3-5cm)

Mostly clear in the morning becoming overcast to obscured. Temperatures were very mild, but the breeze kept conditions feeling chilly. Occasional very light snow showers but no accumulation while I was in the field.

No new avalanches.

You can still see debris piles in Gunsight, 2nd Bowl Chutes, 2nd Bowl, and 3rd Bowl. Many of the lower steep benches down to Miriam Lake also have debris on them. These are mostly from the Feb 28 cycle.

Snowpack Observations

S: Only the 1-2" of snow sits over the very thick and stout early march crust. This made for slick travel.

N: A similar snowpack structure to other areas in the west south.
-3/12 crust below the new 1-2" of snow. This crust is breakable and less than an inch thick (1-2cm).
-3/8 Facets: a layer of facets about 2-3" (5-8cm) thick sit over the early march crust. In some locations these facets showed signs of rounding.
-Early March Crust: this very thick (9-10" 20-25cm) and strong (K hard) crust is a great snowpack marker and found everywhere.

You can also still see deeper layers in the snowpack like the Valentine's Crust.

Very shallow and isolated wind loaded pockets were observed. These were not large enough to pose a risk.

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