Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 5, 2022
Submitted:
January 5, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Irene Henninger
Zone or Region:
West Central
Location:
Deer Creek (S, SE, NW, N, NE 1600-4800ft)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Media/Attachments

This distant crown was visible at approximately 4500ft on a NNE aspect, which probably ran 1/3
Settlement is visible in our low density snowpack which is rapidly growing.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Temperature:
26°F
Wind:
Calm
New/Recent Snowfall:
3 inches overnight

Sky cover increased and visibility decreased as day progressed. Very light flurries began at approx 1230.

We saw one large avalanche on a distant peak which probably ran in the last two days (photo). It was unknown what layer it ran on. It was at approx 4500ft, facing NNE. We saw one additional large avalanche which was very difficult to detect as there was at least a foot of snow covering the crown/debris. It probably occurred early morning on 1/3. (4100ft, NNW)

Snowpack Observations

A pit at 4600ft, S aspect, was 220cm deep. Our main concern which we found there and in several other hand pits throughout the day was resistant failures approximately 20cm down in a graupel layer (CT11 RP). The other notable concern was a thin (5mm) surface hoar layer found about 65cm deep in two different locations we dug. Results were CT28 RP and CT30 RP on that layer. The Solstice Crust was down 140cm (wind affected), and we did not find any weakness around that layer.

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