Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 27, 2023
Submitted:
January 27, 2023
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Katie Warren
Zone or Region:
East South
Location:
Ahtanum Meadows (3300-6900ft; All Aspects)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Freshly drifted snow over the groomed trail was evidence of the recent ridgeline winds.
A shovel tilt test failed with moderate results highlighting a recent storm interface.
A generally strong upper snowpack exists in the Ahtanum Meadows area. Focus your observations to the snow above the MLK crust.
A beautiful day in the East South with clear blue skies and a few inches of new snow to play in.
Clouds began filling the valleys to the west by the end of the day. But stayed low enough to enjoy views of Mt. Rainier
Clear skies allowed for nice views into the Goat Rocks.
Crown from an older avalanche that likely ran during the MLK storm. The weak layer is unknown, but the 1/4 SH is suspected.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Temperature:
35°F
Wind:
Moderate
New/Recent Snowfall:
Only a dusting of new snow overnight

It was a pleasantly mild and sunny day. Although we did experience some moderate and gusty ridgetop winds, most snow surfaces were already heavily impacted by previous winds, and there was little snow left for transport.

We did notice one older slab avalanche that likely ran during the MLK storm. Unfortunately, we could not access the crown. Leaving the interface unknown, but we suspect the 1/4 SH.

Snowpack Observations

All snow surfaces were soft, with wet snow surfaces at lower elevations and solar slopes and soft wind-affected surfaces at upper elevations. Wind effect was present even in sheltered and forested areas.

HS at 4700ft= 90cm
HS at 6200ft= 180cm

We dug a pit at 6700ft on a NW aspect and found an HS of 190cm with approximately 15cm of snow overlaying the MLK crust (3cm thick in this location). We identified some weaker snow on top of this crust, but it was unreactive in stability tests. The 1/4 surface hoar layer is present and buried below the MLK crust around 60cm deep. These surface hoar grains are rounding, and we received no results in stability tests, and the layer was resistant to pulling off the column. We did note a recent storm interface, around 10cm deep, with moderate tilt test results.
CTN
ECTX

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