Observation: NWAC Forecaster
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
December 2, 2022Submitted:
December 2, 2022Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Katie WarrenZone or Region:
East SouthLocation:
Ahtanum Meadows (3200-6250ft various aspects)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedMedia/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly CloudyTemperature:
25°FWind:
LightNew/Recent Snowfall:
Ahtanum Meadows Trailhead had just 25cm of snow from the 11/29 storm. Storm snow totals climbed steadily to 45cm at 5000ft and were consistent up to 6250ftThe afternoon began with broken cloud cover, then became increasingly overcast throughout the day. Winds were generally light and variable with cold temperatures.
Snowpack Observations
From 3200ft to approximately 5000ft the entire snowpack consists of the recent snow from 11/29.
Above 5700ft snow depths began to increase significantly, and I measured 90cm of snow at 6250ft in a sheltered location.
Southern slopes had significantly less snow than other locations, and wind-affected surfaces were common in more exposed locations.
The upper snowpack mostly consists of decomposing particles from recent storms. I did find a thin, weak layer of faceted snow down 45cm. This layer is likely the 11/29 interface, it was unreactive in stability tests in this location. Two strong prominent crusts are in the lower pack, with a hard-to-determine, inconsistent layer of melt forms and faceted snow at the base of the pack.