Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 18, 2022
Submitted:
March 18, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Andrew Kiefer
Zone or Region:
East South
Location:
Darland Mountain (All Aspects, 3200-6900ft)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

East South
Middle Fork Ahtanum Creek groomed 3/18
Low snow below 4500ft on the Middle Fork of Ahtanum Creek Road
The NE face of Mt Adams behind the clouds

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Temperature:
35-40°F
Wind:
Moderate , W
New/Recent Snowfall:
30cm HST since 3/12

High overcast with thick mid-level clouds. Some clearing in the afternoon with very brief periods of sun. Light to moderate westerly winds at ridgetop.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
1 Mar 17, 2022
() 		Conrad Meadows
E 5600ft 		D2
R1 		U-Unknown O-Old Snow U-Unknown
Report
1 Mar 16, 2022
() 		Devils Horn
E 7000ft 		D2.5
R2 		U-Unknown O-Old Snow U-Unknown
Report
2 Mar 17, 2022
() 		Darland Mountain
E 6800ft 		D2
R1 		HS-Hard Slab O-Old Snow 1ft AM-Snowmobile
Report
Conrad Meadows
Devils Horn
Darland Mountain

Two snowmobile triggered avalanches on the east aspect of Darland Mountain. Glassed two other avalanches with unknown triggers in the easternmost reaches of the West South zone near Devils Horn and Bear Creek Mountain.

Snowpack Observations

Below 4500ft, HS is 60cm or less with bare ground in many areas. Southerly aspects are melted out to most ridgetops in the Ahtanum Meadows area. Above 5500ft, there is a very significant increase in HS with a 2 meter snowpack on E-N-W aspects. There was barely any new snow below 4500ft, while above 5500ft there was 30cm of new snow since 3/12. Snowfall beginning 3/12 fell on a layer of facets (moist, rounding) above the Early March Crust. Snowpack tests produced sudden planar fractures on both the 3/12 interface ↓30cm and the 3/15 interface ↓20cm, but no propagation in large column tests. A notable crust/facet complex was found ↓80cm but was unreactive in tests.

Profile: 6600ft, N aspect, HS 230cm, test results:
CT12 ↓20cm SP
CT13 ↓30cm SP
ECTN 11 ↓20cm
ECTN 14 ↓30cm
PST 75/90 END on 3/12 ↓30cm

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Wind Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Weak Layer(s): Mar 8, 2022 (FC)
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