Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 24, 2022
Submitted:
January 24, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Katie Warren
Zone or Region:
East South
Location:
Little Naches and Crow Creek (All aspects from 2800ft to 6100ft)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Southern aspects have melted off significantly with extended warm temperatures.
The top 2 to 3 inches of the snow surface was moist. But the snow remained supportable throughout the day, even with direct sunlight.
Rollerballs and older small wet loose avalanches were visible in steep terrain below rocks and cliffs.
A Large glide crack was visible on a south aspect around 5000ft.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
40°F
Wind:
Moderate , NW

Inversion was fairly strong and lower elevations did not warm up substantially. Upper elevations were in the upper 30's to 40s with mostly clear skies. Winds were moderate at ridge tops, but there is certainly no snow availible for transport.

Snowpack Observations

Despite the warm temperatures and sun, snow surfaces were supportable throughout the day. Only the top couple inches of snow was moist even on slopes in direct sun, this made for nice supportable riding conditions. The snowpack consists of a 20-30cm thick melt-freeze crust over large melt-forms. There was also a thin freezing rain crust ↓ 5cm above 4500ft.

The total snow depths have decreased significantly since the early January storm with 40cm of snow at 2800ft and 60cm of snow at 6100ft. Some obvious wind-loaded areas held up to 120cm of snow.

I observed a few rollerballs and some older small wet loose avalanches, however, the snowpack seems settled into the spring-like melt-freeze cycle. A large glide crack was also present on a southern aspect around 5000ft.

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