Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 2, 2023
Submitted:
January 2, 2023
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Matt Primomo
Zone or Region:
East Central
Location:
Wedge Mountain

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Media/Attachments

Large feathery surface hoar on an east aspect at 6,200ft
Profile on ENE aspect at 6,500ft. The Xmas crust is down 40cm at 110 on the probe.
Wind affected, east facing slopes at 6,000ft
SE aspect at 4,400ft. There was 20-25cm of weakening snow over a very stout, clear ice crust from Xmas. A weaker crust is above that, with weakening snow above and below it.
Some thick looking wind pillows on Little Annapurna
Some cross drifting was noticeable on a high peak in the Enchantments.
Surface hoar coated east facing slopes at about 5,500ft.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Wind:
Light , E

The top of the cloud deck hovered around 5,500 to 6,000ft on the east slopes of Wedge, but was substantially lower in Snow Creek. Temperatures felt cold in the cloud.

We found very small loose wet slides and rollerballs from yesterday on steep southerly aspects, and somewhat obscured evidence of a recent storm slab cycle on steep, large slopes.

Snowpack Observations

We found feathery surface hoar coating most snow surfaces from about 2,500ft up to our high point at 6,500ft. In some areas it was large, over 2cm in size. We found this on south and southeasterly aspects as well, on top of the previous days sun crust.

On average there was 20-40cm of snow over the Xmas crust. This clear, impenetrable freezing rain crust seemed to wane and become more brittle at about the 4,500ft mark. Above that the crust was melt forms. The crust was supportable to a snowmobile and skis, and usually on foot but sometimes would break through.

Wind textured surfaces abounded above 5,500ft, but slabs were not very stiff, and wouldn't crack on test slopes. They appeared older than 24 hours at least.

A profile on an ENE aspect showed an HS of 150cm. The Xmas crust was down 40cm. Tilt tests and Extended Column Tests showed a weakness about 20cm down, dating to around 12/29. Tilt tests moderate, planer. Extended Column Test Moderate, No propagation (but did cross half the column). This layer was preserved stellars with some angles, and some small surface hoar.

The riding and skiing was great and fast.

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