Observation: NWAC Forecaster
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
March 6, 2023Submitted:
March 6, 2023Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Joe DellaportaZone or Region:
Mt HoodLocation:
Pea Gravel RidgeSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedMedia/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
OvercastTemperature:
Below freezing°FWind:
Light , SWNew/Recent Snowfall:
HN24: 5in/.21Winds were generally light with some moderate gusts observed at ridgetop that easily drifted the low density new snow. Intermittent snow showers occurred throughout the AM hours. Some filtering sunshine occurred during the snow shower breaks, but it didn't seem like enough to make snow surfaces moist on solar slopes.
Snowpack Observations
Today, I traveled into the Pea Gravel Ridge area in search of wind slabs and to look for possible buried surface hoar from last week at the 3/2 interface (now about 1’ below the snow surface). I was successful at finding shallow wind slabs breaking on test slopes and even came across a sensitive hard slab that produced a notable shooting crack at treeline ( SE aspect, 6000 ft). I was unsuccessful at finding buried surface hoar in more sheltered locations in the BTL. The upper snowpack is looking strong with approximately 30-40 inches of settled snow ( from the past week!) sitting on the stout 2/21 freezing rain crust. Snowpack tests yielded unremarkable results.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 6-12 inches Comments: I was able to trigger small soft slabs 3-6 " deep NTL on test slopes. At treeline @ 6200 ft SE aspect, I observed a notable shooting crack in a firmer pocket ( 1F hard) of wind drifted snow. |