Observation: NWAC Observer
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
December 17, 2022Submitted:
December 18, 2022Observer:
NWAC Observer - Brooke MaushundZone or Region:
East CentralLocation:
Glacier Peak Wilderness — Trinity Area (NE-E-SE)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedMedia/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly SunnyTemperature:
Below 32°FWind:
Moderate , SWNew/Recent Snowfall:
NOWinds increased moderate to strong out of SW ATL in the afternoon. Skies started clear and shifted toward FEW @14:00 and SCT @16:00. Wind transport evident, snow surfaces provided adequate snow to transport.
Multiple recent (24-48hr prior) D1-D2+ wet slides were visible on the ESE facing ridge features / bowls on climbers right heading up to the col. Slides look 1-2 days old
Snowpack Observations
-While wind pressed snow and punchy surfaces existed, we did not find large slabs on the NE facing slope that we skied. There was about a 4cm crust on top of loose, soft dry snow.
-Did not see evidence of large slides running close to the ground on the basal facets involved in the persistent slab problem anywhere near us or within view from our route. Does not mean they were not present. HS was over 100cm (120-160) BTL and NTL until we were in the alpine. Felt weakness near the ground working our way up the drainage NTL on mostly E facing aspects at times, but this varied spatially without a consistent pattern.
-Sizeable (3-4cm) Surface Hoar present on snow surfaces BTL and NTL. The snow surfaces of today could be the bed surfaces of tomorrow.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Slab
|
|
||||
Persistent Slab
|
|
Unknown |
Weak Layer(s):
Nov 22, 2022 (FC)
|
Wind Slab: While wind pressed snow and punchy surfaces existed, we did not find large slabs on the NE facing slope that we skied. There was about a 4cm crust on top of loose, soft dry snow that was not cohesive. Transport was visible on ridgelines and evident on snow surfaces, winds increased from moderate to strong at ridgeline in the afternoon out of the SW
Persistent Slab: Did not see evidence of large slides running close to the ground on the basal facets involved in the persistent slab problem anywhere near us or within view from our route. Does not mean they were not present. HS was over 100cm (120-160) BTL and NTL until we were in the alpine. Felt weakness near the ground working our way up the drainage NTL on mostly E facing aspects at times, but this varied spatially without a consistent pattern. Did not take out the probe ATL