Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 4, 2022
Submitted:
January 4, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Andrew Kiefer
Zone or Region:
Mt Hood
Location:
Mitchell Creek (5400-5600ft, all aspects)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

3ft of recent storm snow is right-side-up (F-4F) and well bonded to the Jan 2 interface. Snowpack tests resulted in sudden planar and resistant planar fractures on inter-storm layers (↓12in and ↓20in) but no propagation.
Lots of deep snow hazards including tree wells and large chunks of snow falling from trees. Trail breaking was deep with ski penetration around 15-20in and boot penetration around 3-4ft.
Loose snow sluffs in steep terrain along Hwy 35 (E aspect, 2600ft). These small avalanches developed a wetter character throughout the day.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured
Temperature:
25°F
Wind:
Moderate , SW
New/Recent Snowfall:
3ft since 1/2

Blizzard conditions with very poor visibility. Snowfall rates up to one inch per hour. Blowing snow in open areas but little wind affect in the trees. Snow levels around 2500-3000ft.

No new avalanches other than minor sluffing in steep rocky terrain along Hwy 35. Covered limited terrain with no observations near and above treeline.

Snowpack Observations

The 3ft of recent storm snow is settling, right-side-up (F-4F), and well bonded to the 1/2 interface in wind sheltered areas. Snowpack tests resulted in sudden planar and resistant planar fractures on inter-storm layers (↓12in and ↓20in) but no propagation. The upper half of the snowpack is very uniform and remarkably cold and dry. The solstice crust was identifiable with probing and was 7-8ft below the surface. Total snow depths were close to 10ft.

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
 Comments: CTM ↓12in SP x2, CTM ↓20in RP x2, ECTN14 ↓12in, ECTN18 ↓20in, ECTX
Dry Loose
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Comments: wet character below 4000ft

No observations near and above treeline.

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