Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 4, 2022
Submitted:
January 4, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Dallas Glass
Zone or Region:
West South
Location:
Gunsight Peak, White Pass (All aspects near-treeline. Limited observations below treeline)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Widespread
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Media/Attachments

The black card indicates a layer of large stellar about 12" below the surface. This seems to be the layer on which the avalanches failed. However, this tilt test was performed on a W aspect at 6300' confirming weak snow on a variety of aspects.
Debris from multiple D1-1.5 intentionally triggered avalanches in the Gunsight area near White Pass. N-E, 6300'. SS-ASc-R1-D1-S,
12" crown, N, 6300', SS-ASc-R1-D1-S

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured
Wind:
Light , W
New/Recent Snowfall:
About 8-10" overnight. Storm totals closer to 24+".

Light snowfall was continuous while we were in the field. Afternoon snow accumulation around 3" (8cm). Winds were mainly light, with occasional Moderate gusts. Light blowing snow on very exposed ridgelines was seen.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
3 Jan 4, 2022 2:00 am
() 		Gunsight South Face
S 6300ft 		D1
R1 		SS-Soft Slab S-New Snow 1ft AS-Skier
c-Intentional
6-8" crown. SSW, 6300, Gunsight Peak, SS-ASc-R1-D1-S
Report
8 Jan 4, 2022 1:00 am
() 		Gunsight Chutes/Bowl
NE 6300ft 		D1.5
R1 		SS-Soft Slab S-New Snow 1ft AS-Skier
c-Intentional
A 10-12" crown on an intentionally skier triggered avalanche in the Gunsight Bowl area near White Pass. E, 6300', SS-ASc-R1-D1-S
A 10-12" crown in the Gunsight area near White Pass. NE, 6300', SS-ASc-R1-D1.5-S
12" crown, N, 6300', SS-ASc-R1-D1-S
Report
Gunsight South Face
Gunsight Chutes/Bowl

All avalanches observed today occurred with the storm snow.

Snowpack Observations

I observed cracking on small steep convex slopes on a variety of aspects while traveling. In many instances slopes "spider-webbed" with cracks, occasionally resulting in small avalanches releasing further down the slopes.

This most recent storm snow is slightly heavier than recent storms, however, it is still very soft and unconsolidated. Snowpack tests, uptrack tests, and small slope tests all highlighted the same layer within the new snow. A very shallow (down 3"/8cm) layer of large stellar easily failed but lacked the slab to create an avalanche. A more defined layer of stellars 12"/30cm below the surface continually failed and produced shooting cracks. This is thought to be the same weak layer that caused each of the observed avalanches. These same weak layers were found on all aspects in the near treeline band.

The 1/2 interface did not produce any notable results in today's observations.

Wind transported snow was evident in rime, small drifts, and soft cornices. However, the wind-affected snow was limited to ridgelines. I did not find any real wind slabs in the limited terrain I traveled.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Storm Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
WordPress Lightbox