Observation: Avalanche Professional
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
November 12, 2023Submitted:
November 12, 2023Observer:
Avalanche Professional - Zack WentzZone or Region:
West NorthLocation:
Heliotrope Ridge (NW-NE, 3700'-6100')Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedMedia/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
OvercastWind:
Strong , SWNew/Recent Snowfall:
0cms of new HST observed throughout the day.
-AM Below 5300': Light SW winds, gusting moderate. No new precip, light blowing snow, boot pen: 32cms in forest openings. Overcast high clouds but good low elevation visibility.
-AM Above 5300': Moderate SW winds, gusting to strong-extreme. No new precip. Sustained blowing snow, being transported via turbulent suspension. Overcast high clouds with good visibility between wind gusts.
-PM Below 5300': Light SW winds, gusting moderate. Precip rate: S1 (snowing 1cm/hr).
-PM Above 5300': Strong winds, gusting to extreme. Precip rate: S1 (snowing 1cm/hr).
Isolated cracking observed in upper 5cms of snowpack in wind-loaded pockets above 5300'.
Snowpack Observations
Below 5300': 10-35cms of low density (F hardness) new snow sits above the ground. In the PM, the snowpack stiffened due to warming & rain. HS: 10cms at 3700', rapidly increasing to 20-35cms at 4450'.
Above 5300': Highly variable surface conditions due to low coverage & wind affect. In wind-loaded pockets, 2-5cms of 4F+ wind slab sit atop the new snow surface. HS highly variable based on wind exposure.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 2-5cms/2023-11-12 Comments: Not yet an active avalanche problem to manage, but with new snow & consistent wind will be developing. |
Not yet an active avalanche problem to manage, but with new snow & consistent wind will be developing.