Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 25, 2022
Submitted:
January 25, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Andrew Kiefer
Zone or Region:
Mt Hood
Location:
White River Canyon (4200-6000ft, E-S-W aspects)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Steeper S-SE slopes below 6000ft began to soften around 11:30am. Several melt-freeze cycles have smoothed out the old rain rills and ski quality is improving. The window for the best corn is between 12:30-3:30pm.
Looking up White River Canyon with many ridges melting out and frequent rock fall.
The January dry spell caused many creeks to open. There are still a few solid snow bridges in White River Canyon.
Dirt is blowing off ridges and other bare patches onto snow surfaces and increasing the rate of snowmelt.
Snow melting around rocks, debris from old wet loose avalanches

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
35°F
Wind:
Light , SE
New/Recent Snowfall:
no new snow

Light winds blowing from the SE. Temperatures in the mid-30's F. Sunny skies and pleasant spring-like conditions. Cloud deck around 3000ft with valley fog below.

No new avalanches

Snowpack Observations

Very firm and supportable surfaces all aspects and elevations. Slick icy conditions especially in the morning. Snow surfaces below 6000ft began to soften around 11:30am on steeper S-SE aspects in direct sun. Surfaces on E-S-W aspects have experienced several melt-freeze cycles and are smooth - old rain rills are hard to see. Still easy to slip and fall, but surfaces are much less treacherous below 6000ft than above. Several ridges are melted out to dirt. Wind has blown dirt onto nearby snow surfaces increasing the rate of snowmelt. Rockfall was probably the greatest hazard of the day while traveling below melted out ridges. The January dry spell has really taken a toll on the snowpack and many creeks have reopened. There were still a few solid snow bridges in White River Canyon through. With good timing it was possible to score nice corn turns Tuesday. The best turns were on steeper SE-S-SW aspects below 7000ft between 12:30-3:30pm.

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