Observation: NWAC Observer
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
February 3, 2023Submitted:
February 3, 2023Observer:
NWAC Observer - Keeley RideoutZone or Region:
West NorthLocation:
Baker Backcountry (4000 - 5600ft, All Aspects )Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedMedia/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
OvercastTemperature:
31°FWind:
Strong , SNew/Recent Snowfall:
HN1cm @ 1:30pm8:30am air temp was 36F at the parking lot. Patches of blue sky were present in the morning, followed by low dark clouds obscuring the sky. Winds increased steadily and by 12:30pm the storm rolled in. Snow came in warm and wet at ~1cm/hr. Winds were all over the place with direction and speed - by 1pm it consistent strong gusts made travel challenging, sometimes gusting into extreme where we had to hunker down to not to get blown over. Around 1:15pm it began to graupel (1mm) at ~4600ft and ~1cm of graupel had accumulated by 2pm. Temps dropped to 31F.
None Observed
Snowpack Observations
We did not dig a pit due to strong winds and minimal new snow accumulation to examine. The already very wind affected old snow was getting transported by strong winds. This was noticeable from plumes on ridgelines and whorling at NTL elevations. We saw sastrugi and experienced variable surface conditions; both firm and punchy from wind loading and scouring. We traveled over some lightly covered refrozen roller balls from previous avalanche activity - instant regret. An interesting criss-cross of old ski tracks were very pronounced and made for sporting surface conditions as well. New snow came in warm (clumpy) at an angle from the winds. Graupel started at ~4600ft around 1pm and it was still graupeling when we left @2pm.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Storm Slab
|
|
Unknown | |||
Wind Slab
|
|
Unknown |