Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 21, 2022
Submitted:
January 21, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Dallas Glass
Zone or Region:
West South
Location:
White Pass Backcountry (N-E-S, Near and below treeline. )

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
Isolated

Media/Attachments

Variable snow conditions. Pockets of soft snow and very firm icy bumps near Gunsight Peak in the White Pass backcountry.
The upper foot (black card) of the snowpack consist of very strong crusts and melt forms. Notice the blue color to the snow between the black and blue card indicating water in the snowpack. E, 6000', Miriam Creek White Pass.
Large grain melt forms make up most of the upper 4 ft (120cm) of the snowpack in this location. E, 6000' Miriam Creek White Pass.
Wind textured snow near White Pass. E aspect 6500'.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Temperature:
36°F
Wind:
Light , NW
New/Recent Snowfall:
1-2 inches (3-5cm)

Beautiful day. Mostly sunny skies with periods of high overcast. Light winds. Cool temperatures.

No new avalanches observed.

Snowpack Observations

The near treeline snowpack is generally 7-8 ft (220-250cm) deep. We found 1-2 inches (3-5cm) of new snow above 5500' with a dusting below. Very firm and icy surfaces were found under the new snow and in wind-exposed areas. This created very challenging and possibly dangerous travel.

The upper snowpack is very strong and spring-like. About a foot (30cm) thick crust was could in most areas that took quite a bit of effort to dig through. Below this stout crust large grain melt-forms were found. Some were wet and weak, some were frozen and strong. In the location we dug, no dry snow was found in the upper 4-5ft (120-150cm) of the snowpack.

While there was evidence of wind transported snow. No wind slabs were found in this area, likely due to the lack of snow available for transport.

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