Observation: NWAC Forecaster

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Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 18, 2023
Submitted:
March 18, 2023
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Irene Henninger
Zone or Region:
West North
Location:
Baker NRA (2000-7500ft)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

An old D1.5 avalanche which likely occurred Wednesday 3/15. 5500ft, S. Baker NRA
A bit of small old wet loose activity, likely 1-2 days old, near Park Butte, running from steep, rocky terrain.
Wind textured surfaces were more abundant on 3/18 than on 3/15. They weren't reactive, however.
West-facing cornices over the Deming Glacier
More wind-effect at the Baker NRA
A pit where I found a generally right side up snowpack and didn't get any results in pit tests. On this west-facing slope there was a 2cm melt freeze crust at the surface which probably formed yesterday. There was a thin layer of surface hoar and near surface facets coating the crust. This pit was dug at about 1100am, before the sun cooked this area more.
Small surface hoar is visible here, and it's tougher to see near surface faceting which was present above the surface crust as well.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Wind:
Calm

Felt like the first day of spring. Hot. Most surfaces had some for of crust on them- mainly melt freeze, or soft wind-effect.

Snowpack Observations

Most surfaces aside from true north have anywhere from 1cm-10cm crust at start of day. The crust broke down in most locations as the day progressed, since this was the warmest day yet. Steep south-facing slopes, which are hard to find in the area, moistened about a foot deep.

We didn't see any new wet slides today, although there isn't much terrain that was suitable for it where we were. A few small old ones were visible. 2 D1.5 slab avalanches which I didn't see on Wednesday were visible today, with crowns partially filled in, indicating recent wind. Tracks were present everywhere, and aside from the 4 slab avalanches which occurred a couple days ago no new avalanche activity was seen.

I dug a few pits where the surface crust was thinner, but didn't find reactive layers. I did find surface hoar and near surface faceting above the melt freeze crust, although there's a good chance it was burned off today as the sun intensified.

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