Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 10, 2022
Submitted:
January 10, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Matt Primomo
Zone or Region:
East Central
Location:
Blewett Pass-Kings Ridge (NE-SE 2,400-4,000)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

surface hoar over a freezing rain crust at 3,000ft
widespread surface hoar over a slick crust.
Surface hoar over crust at 4,000ft
'Triple decker' crust facet complex. North at 4,000ft

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Increasing clouds, very light to calm winds and cool temps.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
1 Jan 7, 2022
() 		Pt 5510 (E Peak of Iron Bear) in Iron Creek
NE 5400ft 		D2.5
R2 		HS-Hard Slab O-Old Snow 4ft N-Natural
HS-N-R2-D2.5-O off ENE aspect below Pt 5510 (E Peak of Iron Bear) in Iron Creek, near Blewett Pass.
Report
Pt 5510 (E Peak of Iron Bear) in Iron Creek

Snowpack Observations

We found a horrible trap crust with low density storm snow underneath. Surface hoar growth was widespread over the crust, and in some areas there was a trace of now faceting snow over the crust. Up to 3,000ft the crust was a thinner, but translucent freezing rain crust. As we climbed higher it was thicker and more of a white-ish melt freeze crust.
A profile on north aspect at 4,000ft was unremarkable, except for the triple decker crust/facet sandwich at the surface. This layer could pose a horrible persistent weak layer if snow were to accumulate over it.

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