Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 22, 2022
Submitted:
December 22, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Dallas Glass
Zone or Region:
West South
Location:
Crystal backcountry: Bullion Peak, Crown Point, Pickhandle Basin (All Aspects Near and Below Treeline (4300-6400ft))

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Media/Attachments

We triggered shooting cracks like these on numerous windloaded pockets throughout the day.
A slightly larger natural hard slab avalanche near Pickhandle Gap in the Crystal backcountry. HS-N-D1.5-R1-S, NE, 5900ft.
Notice the snow blown out of the trees on the right (NE facing) indicating wind affected snow, and the snowy trees (left, S facing), showing more sheltered terrain.
Debris from a natural wind slab avalanche near Pickhandle Gap. N, 6000ft, HS-N-D1.5-R1-S
A very small skier triggered wind slab on a N, 6000 ft near Pickhandle Gap. 4-8in deep. HS-ASc-D1-R1-S

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Wind:
Moderate , SE
New/Recent Snowfall:
No new snow.

Windy and COLD! Moderate to strong SE winds were actively blowing snow along ridgelines, mid slope features, and even in the forest. The wind was really sculpting the snow surface. Blowing snow frequently looked like could along the peaks.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
3 Dec 22, 2022 1:00 am
() 		Pickhandle Gap
NW 6000ft 		D1.5
R1 		HS-Hard Slab S-New Snow 0.5ft N-Natural
Debris from a natural wind slab avalanche near Pickhandle Gap. N, 6000ft, HS-N-D1.5-R1-S
A slightly larger natural hard slab avalanche near Pickhandle Gap in the Crystal backcountry. HS-N-D1.5-R1-S, NE, 5900ft.
Report
Pickhandle Gap

Snowpack Observations

Blowing snow, textured surfaces, sculpted snow, scoured old snow, and small cornices indicated active and recent wind transport. We found numerous smooth pillow-like drifts, firm hollow snow, and hard slabs. These wind slab observations were seen at all elevations, including well below treeline. Small test slopes frequently cracked and failed, producing small avalanches 4-10in deep.

Direct loading and mid-slope cross loading were often found on W-N aspects. However, due to the erratic nature of the winds, we did see wind slabs on nearly all aspects throughout our travels.

Due to the frigid wind chills we did not dig any snow profiles.

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
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