Observation: NWAC Observer

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 28, 2022
Submitted:
December 29, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Observer - Keeley Rideout
Zone or Region:
West North
Location:
Baker Backcountry/ Herman Saddle (5000-5500 feet, all aspects)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Media/Attachments

Avalanche Debris on south facing slope
Pit @5430 ft (280ºW) Below Herman Saddle
Avalanche evidence above lake
Large creek holes have opened up

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Cloudy
Wind:
Calm , SW
New/Recent Snowfall:
HN24: 30cm

light snow and overcast skies early in the day transitioned to broken clouds and glimpses of blue sky for the early afternoon before temperatures cooled and cloud cover and light precip returned by late afternoon.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
20 Dec 24, 2022
() 		Table Mountain
NE 5600ft 		D2.5 WL-Wet Loose N-Natural
Crown of wet slab avalanche during the recent rain event and natural avalanche cycle. W @ 5000'
Wet avalanche debris on Table Mt. Most debris from early in the rain event and natural avalanche cycle looked similar - melted down by continual rain and covered with a foot fo new snow. E @ 4700'.
Report
Table Mountain

Avalanches from the past 48-72 hours evident in steep, rocky terrain surrounding ridgelines. D2-2.5.

Snowpack Observations

We dug a pit on the west side of Herman saddle at ~5400 feet elevation, 280º West. New snow made up the top 30cm, saturated snow from the rain event comprised ~60cm below the new snow, and rounds below that. Water from the rain event earlier this week has now moved through the snowpack making it wet and cohesive. We did a compression test and where it fractured it immediately re-bonded to itself. A lens at the new snow-wet snow interface has not yet formed.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Wind Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
 Unknown
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5

Wind affected snow in isolated areas on all aspects, more notable on exposed west facing terrain at or above treeline boundary.

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