Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 14, 2023
Submitted:
January 14, 2023
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Irene Henninger and Lee Lazzara
Zone or Region:
West Central
Location:
Deer Creek (2000-6000ft, all aspects)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

A D2 (large) wet snow avalanche at 4850', E, which most likely failed during the rain event 1/11-1/13. Note the surface graced with runnels.
A south aspect at 4500' in the West Central Zone. Melt forms, supportable. Snow height here was about 150cm.
A pit just below our high point. The 1/4 crust was mainly just a layer of wet snow, although I did find an ice crust in a few spots still.
Glide cracks on Mt Pilchuck
Predominantly east facing terrain from 1600-5600' displaying snow coverage in the middle of the West Central zone after the atmospheric river. If you look closely you could see a few avalanches which occurred in recent days.
Glide cracks and a few small and large (D1 and D2) wet snow avalanches on the apron of Big Bear Mtn which likely occurred 1/11-1/13 during the atmospheric river.
Glide cracks and large, saggy cornices.
Open water at 2700'

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Temperature:
34°F
Wind:
Light
New/Recent Snowfall:
~6 inches of water since 1/11, mostly falling as rain below 6500'

Clear skies slowly shifted to scattered in the afternoon. Calm aside from the very top of the high point at 5000ft. Temp at high point was 34F, 2000' was 41F. Crust on surface everywhere where we traveled, no snow available for transport.

Saw distant D2 avalanches (wet loose?) running on aprons below cliff bands on large peaks. One was near us, at just below our high point, E, 4850'. See photos.

Snowpack Observations

Snowline began around 1500ft. It mainly consisted of moist melt forms. A soft crust was present on the surface- we had good edging and the snow was supportable on skis. There were many patches of open and flowing water up to about 3200'. Boot penetration averaged 20cm. Above 4000ft where dry snow was present before the atmospheric river, the snow was melt forms, although it was sticky, and not well transformed yet.

In pits we dug on north and south aspects at 4900ft we found a moist snowpack down to the Xmas crust, about a meter down. The snow just above the crust was just barely moist. We didn't find any layers that were particularly concerning at this time in the pits.

It's surprising how much snow has melted in the last few days. It's still possible to travel in moderately thick trees above 3000', but more ground vegetation and downed trees are getting exposed.

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