Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 27, 2021
Submitted:
December 27, 2021
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Dallas Glass
Zone or Region:
West South
Location:
Paradise Area (E-S-SW Near Treeline, most aspects Below Treeline)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Clues to determine the prevailing wind direction.
Roughly 4ft of snow over the Solstice Crust in the Paradise area.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured
Temperature:
10°F
Wind:
Light , SW
New/Recent Snowfall:
Strom total 4-5 ft (120-150cm). 24hr snow total ~ 6 inches (15cm)

Poor visibility. Very light snow (S-1). Light winds with light blowing snow.

No recent avalanches were observed. However, bad visibility limited our ability to make observations from the surrounding area.

Snowpack Observations

The Solstice Crust was generally 4 ft (120cm) below the snow surface. On wind ward slopes it was closer 1.5-2 ft (45-60cm) and on lee slopes closer to 5-6 ft (150-180cm). The recent storm snow was largely right side up. While I could find discrete storm layers, they did not fail in any tests. The Solstice crust was a thin (1cm) melt freeze crust in this area. The snow was well bonded to the crust.
Obvious signs of wind transported snow were easily found. (firmer snow, drifts, cornices). These clues were covered by 4-8 inches (10-20cm) of soft snow.
We also looked at the 12/18 crust. This thicker 2" (5cm) melt freeze crust was weakening, but did not fail in any test.
Height of Snow: 114-122 inches (290-310cm)

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Wind Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy

These are older wind slabs. Very hard to assess their sensitivity.

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