Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
November 30, 2022
Submitted:
November 30, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Irene Henninger
Zone or Region:
West Central
Location:
Mt Pilchuck (N, W 1000ft-4000ft)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Pilchuck backcountry at 3500ft. Still beneath threshold.
Small wind drifts were first visible on Mt Pilchuck at around 4000ft.
A northewest facing boulder field on Pilchuck at 4000ft. A lot of snow is needed before this is above avalanche threshold.
A lightly wind affected pit on Mt Pilchuck on flat terrain. All snow surfaces were variable in the area. No layers of concern were found.
The view north from Mt Pilchuck. snowline is visible in the trees above ~1500ft.
Tiny drifts with tiny amounts of cracking at 4000ft on Mt Pilchuck

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Temperature:
23°F
Wind:
Calm
New/Recent Snowfall:
35cm

34F at 1000ft. 23F at 4000ft.

Snowpack Observations

I parked at the Pilchuck Gate at 1350ft and skinned up the road, then continued up the trail to 4000ft before returning the same way. Snow was wet below 2500ft, but rapidly transitioned to dry snow above that elevation. For the entire tour my ski poles clicked against the ground. Snow depths only increased slightly during the entire tour. In most places the snow depth was around 1ft, and mainly consisted of the overnight storm 11/29-30.

At 4000ft, my max elevation, I began to see small drifts of snow, and I got small fractures when I jumped on a drift. However all areas that I traveled were well below threshold, despite the odd drift. The skiing was surprisingly good in the foot of dry snow. Upon return, I found about 4 inches of snow had melted/settled at the lower elevations by the time I got back to the parking lot.

WordPress Lightbox