Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 5, 2022
Submitted:
January 6, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Simon Trautman
Zone or Region:
West North
Location:
Near Herman Saddle (S-E-N)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Media/Attachments

A little more than 300cm of snow on the south face above Herman Saddle. Each of the layers depicted here produced avalanches over the 24 hours.  More snow into Thursday will keep the upper layer active ... the lower layer is more of a question ...  
These small wind/storm slabs were tiggered in the near treeline band on Wednesday. Expect similar, but bigger avalanches Thursday as more snow falls. 

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Temperature:
high 20's°F
Wind:
Light
New/Recent Snowfall:
3" overnight - 40+ since January 3

Light variable wind. overcast with some penetrating sunlight, visibility flat with moments of contrast. Evidence of light to moderate surface drifting overnight. No snow moving in Bagley Lakes basin or along ridgeline.

Several recent small soft slabs (~6-10" deep) along roadway and on steep terrain features on east side Herman. Not widespread.
Several small skier triggered avalanches in the same new snow layer - steep rollovers on S side Herman and small start zones N side Austin
Remnant of 3 deeper crowns below the buttress on the N aspect Table Mtn. Probably occurred Sun PM or Mon AM. ~D2.5

Snowpack Observations

Its deep. Riding is good. Cornices and other wind features are overbuilt and dangerous looking. Snowpit pic below.

Avalanche Problems

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

Guessing these slabs will become stubborn by 1/6, but incoming new snow will continue the problem and avalanches will be a size larger by midday 1/6

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