Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:

December 13, 2022

Submitted:

December 13, 2022

Observer:

NWAC Forecaster - Lee Lazzara

Zone or Region:

West North

Location:

Mt. Watson (3000-6000 NW-N-NE)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches?

None Observed

Cracking?

None Experienced

Collapsing?

None Experienced

Media/Attachments

A layer of surface hoar found ↓75cm near treeline.

Wind effect from Saturday's storm, low hanging clouds and a lenticular on Mt. Baker.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:

Clear

Wind:

Calm

Low hanging cloud deck to 4000-4500' - started to scatter out at the end of the day. Sunny up above . . . calm, clear and cold in the shade.

Snowpack Observations

HS 150-200cm near treeline around Watson Lakes. Widespread wind affected snow above treeline - wind loaded features found unreactive with test slopes, hand shears, etc. Widespread SH to 1cm and facets at snow surface. Didn't travel on sun affected slopes but solar aspects of Anderson Butte looked heavily sun affected - a crust likely tops the snowpack on solar aspects. 75cm right side up HST over SH layer buried last week. 140cm from surface to crust and facet layers. SH layer no results ECT, CTH-SC 1x. No results on around deeper crust layers. Excellent riding conditions on shady mid-elevation slopes.

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