Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 9, 2022
Submitted:
February 10, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Andy Harrington
Zone or Region:
West South
Location:
White Pass Ski Area and Gunsight Bowl

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Variable surfaces including soft springlike snow, windpress, and ice.
Rollerballs were easily triggered with each ski turn in the soft moist snow. They broke apart as they hit the flats below.
This cornice had a constant stream of water coming from its curl as it baked in the sunshine.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Beautiful sunny day with light winds gusting to moderate at times.

No new avalanches were observed but did see some rollerballs and pinwheels.

Snowpack Observations

First turn off the top of an E aspect we were able to push some wet snow a few feet. Not concerning as an avalanche but showed that the snow was getting ripe and moving toward the possibility of triggering WL on larger terrain features in undisturbed snow. Larger rollerballs with each turn descended and broke to pieces in the flats. Cornices were not very large or overhung, but saw one that was literally melting with a visible dribble of water coming from it.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Wet Loose
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Comments: Most likely on steep slopes that see direct sunshine with undisturbed snow. Hovering between stubborn and reactive. Could imagine reaching D2 in specific terrain, but not the terrain I was in.
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