Observation: NWAC Observer
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 11, 2022Submitted:
January 11, 2022Observer:
NWAC Observer - Robin PenderyZone or Region:
Snoqualmie PassLocation:
Commonwealth Basin (Below tree line and near tree line, W)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedMedia/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
ObscuredWind:
CalmNew/Recent Snowfall:
RainIt appeared to be raining to the summit of Kendall Peak. We did not travel higher than 4,700 ft and can confirm that it rained at least to that elevation.
In addition to the very large debris and crown previously reported on the west face of Kendall, we could make out numerous smaller crowns from the weekend storm on Red Mountain and the Lundin. These all appeared to be in the D2 range and likely occurred mid storm over the weekend.
Snowpack Observations
At 4,500 ft, we found 5 centimeters of wet surface snow, on top of 5-10 centimeters of moist snow from the last few days. This all sits on top of a 10-centimeter pencil hard crust from the weekend storm.
Below the crust, we found increasing density rounding grains. Shovel shear tests highlighted a mid storm density break down 50 centimeters, but this layer was nonplaner and very resistant to sliding in compression tests.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wet Loose
|
|
Comments: We found a reactive wet loose avalanche problem between the elevations of 3,800 and 4,300. |
Below 3,800, a thick trap crust on the surface eliminated any wet loose avalanche problems. Above 4,300, the surface snow was well bonded to the weekend crust and was much more resistant to sliding.