Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
November 20, 2021
Submitted:
November 21, 2021
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Josh Hirshberg, Katie Warren
Zone or Region:
East Central
Location:
Sugarloaf Peak (SW-N-NE up to 5800ft)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Riming and sastrugi near the summit of Sugarloaf Pk, 5,800ft
Riming and sastrugi near the summit of Sugarloaf Pk, 5,800ft.
Leeward slope near the summit of Sugarloaf Pk, 5800ft. Thin clouds and blowing snow moving over the ridge.
Fish Lake and Dirty Face Mtn in the foreground with Mt Daniel in the background, right side. Note the high snow line.
Sugarloaf summit ridge with Glacier Peak in the background

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Wind:
Light , W
New/Recent Snowfall:
11/18 HST 10-15cm

Clear and cold with clouds hanging over the Cascade crest. Moderate W ridgetop winds w light blowing snow. Minimal snow available to transport at ridge. Elsewhere, wind was light.

Snowpack Observations

Average HS 15cm, up to 50cm in old drifts. Boot pen to ground. Surface form ~2mm SH. HST from 11/18 15cm.
HS consisted mostly of recent storm snow w older snow in the lower snowpack where drifts had formed (5800ft ridge) from W winds prior to Nov 12th. No notable rain crusts observed in older snow. Moist snow near ground.