Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 5, 2021
Submitted:
December 5, 2021
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Matt Primomo
Zone or Region:
East Central
Location:
Chatter Creek

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

10-15cm of cold snow from 12/4 over the late November crust. ENE at 5,700ft
E Face of Grindstone Mtn
Wind rippled snow on south facing terrain near a pass east of Grindstone
Lower slopes below Grindstone, snow on talus, ~5,300ft
North and East slopes on Sixtysix Hundred Ridge.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Wind:
Calm
New/Recent Snowfall:
6-10"

Snowpack Observations

We found 6-10" of low density storm snow from 12/4, and once above 5,500ft the wind had created some thicker drifts in exposed areas but no cracking or instabilities were observed.
A stout melt freeze crust from late November exists in patchy areas below 5,500ft but becomes more consistent above that. The new snow had begun to weaken above this crust with the one night of cold temperatures. Slopes with consistent and connected areas of late November crust are something to watch moving forward.

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