Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Date:

January 25, 2022

Submitted:

January 25, 2022

Observer:

NWAC Forecaster - Matt Primomo

Zone or Region:

Stevens Pass

Location:

Lake Valhalla area

Recent Avalanches?

None Observed

Cracking?

None Experienced

Collapsing?

None Experienced

North aspect at 5,700ft: 12cm of 0.5mm faceting grains capped with surface hoar, over a stout crust from 1/20.

Glide cracks on a rock slab on the north side of Lichtenberg.

Sagging cornices, peeling away from a ridgeline on Lichtenberg.

Kyes peak and Monte Cristo on the right with large glide activity.

Advanced Information

Cloud Cover:

Clear

Wind:

Light , W

New/Recent Snowfall:

Cold morning, temps continued to feel cold in the shade even mid-day. At a few points while skinning up a south-facing slope the sun was very strong, and it felt downright hot.

The difference between sunny and shaded slopes is becoming more and more apparent with this long stretch of high pressure. Sunny slopes had a stout melt freeze crust (30cm thick) that began to soften after a few hours of sun hit. We skiied a steeper south aspect just before noon and the corn window was just right- not too soft, but smooth and softened enough. Another lap later I was able to initiate a very small loose wet slide on a steep SE aspect. The slide didn't entrain much snow, and it only took a few inches of surface snow with it.
On a north aspect at 5,700ft we found 5" of storm snow from 1/20 over a thick rain crust. This snow is weakening and faceting with repeated cold nights and warm days (diurnal recrystallization). Observed 0.5mm faceting rounds just above the crust, and slightly larger faceted grains and surface hoar on the surface.

Problem	Location	Distribution	Sensitivity	Size	Comments
Wet Loose	N E S W	Isolated Specific Widespread	Unreactive Stubborn Reactive Touchy	D1 D1.5 D2 D2.5 D3 D3.5 D4 D4.5 D5

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