Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 25, 2023
Submitted:
February 25, 2023
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Dallas Glass
Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie Pass
Location:
Chair Peak (All Aspects 3000-5500ft. )

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
Isolated

Media/Attachments

Sparkly near surface facets were found in wind sheltered areas.
Wind textured surfaces show a downslope wind pattern in this area.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Wind:
Light , SE
New/Recent Snowfall:
No new snow.

Really nice day out there. Mostly sunny skies, light winds, and cool temps.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
1 Feb 24, 2023 12:20 pm
() 		Above the Cache Couloir
N 4600ft 		D1.5
R2 		HS-Hard Slab 0.5ft AS-Skier
u-Unintentional
Courtesy of King County Sheriff's Office
Courtesy of King County Sheriff's Office
This avalanche was triggered by a backcountry tourer while ascending. He was caught and carried over large cliffs below.
Report
6 Feb 23, 2023
() 		North Slope of Chair Peak
NE 5600ft 		D2
R2 		HS-Hard Slab N-Natural
Crowns and debris piles on the N Slope of Chair Peak from the past week's avalanches.
Crowns and debris from the past week's avalanches on the N side of Chair Peak.
Report
1 Feb 23, 2023
() 		Kendall Peak
SW 5400ft 		D2
R2 		SS-Soft Slab N-Natural
This natural wind slab avalanche was spotted on Kendall Pk Sat (2/25) morning.
Report
1 Feb 23, 2023
() 		Upper Basin of Chair Peak
E 5800ft 		D2.5
R2 		HS-Hard Slab N-Natural
This avalanche on Chair Peak occurred between Wed at noon and Thursday at 730am. It seems to have originated very high in the terrain and stepped out lower in the bowl.
Report
1 Feb 23, 2023
() 		Chair Peak
NE 5600ft 		D2
R2 		HS-Hard Slab N-Natural
Another large natural avalanche that occured Wed night/Thurs morning.
Report
Above the Cache Couloir
North Slope of Chair Peak
Kendall Peak
Upper Basin of Chair Peak
Chair Peak

Snowpack Observations

Snow surface: scoured slopes, wind textures, wind slabs, firm crusts, punchy snow, soft powder, near surface facets, and surface hoar were all observed. While there were more crust on southerly slopes than shaded aspects, we did not find a very discernable pattern to the persistent weak snow grains.

The recent E (SE) winds from Thursday really did a number on the snow surface. Most of the loading was onto NW-N-NE aspects, but wind affected snow was found throughout the terrain. Several hollow wind slabs produced cracks and audible collapses near the ridgecrest.

Steep southerly slopes became wet and sticky by day. Rollerballs, trees/rocks shedding snow, and a few small loose wet slides were observed.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Wind Slab
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