Observation: NWAC Forecaster

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Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 10, 2022
Submitted:
February 10, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Katie Warren
Zone or Region:
East Central
Location:
Salmon La Sac and Teanaway

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Davis Peak, 6400ft in the Salmon La Sac area. Higher elevations and more northerly aspects are holding onto more snow, but the unseasonably warm and sunny weather has done a number on our once robust snowpack in areas east of the Cascade Crest.
Earl Peak in the Teanaway, around 7000ft at the summit. Cornices and wind effect are apparent and with west (windward) aspects scoured to bare ground.
Steep southern aspects on Red Mountain in the Salmon La Sac area have melted back to bare rock. This ridge is at approximately 5300ft.
Looking toward Mt. Daniel some very small wet loose avalanches could be seen initiating from steep rocks and cliffs.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Wind:
Moderate , W

Clear skies and warm temperatures dominated the weather today. There were significant temperature differences between the colder eastern valleys and drainages further west. Even in deep valleys, sheltered in the forest, winds were moderate and very warm. Even at the highest elevations, there was no evidence of blowing snow.

Snowpack Observations

I took a tour of some of the East Central zone to see how the snowpack has held up to the warm temperatures and sunny skies.

While upper elevations seem to be holding onto a decent amount of snow, it is notable just how much snow we have lost since the transition from a cold and snowy December to a warm and dry January and February. For example, the Sasse Ridge SNOTEL is down to an HS of 49 inches after a peak of 77 inches on Jan 6th.

Besides the dwindling snowpack, there were a few big takeaways today.

- Despite the very warm temperatures, there was minimal wet loose avalanche activity. Many slopes had plenty of rollerballs, but these did not entrain much additional snow on their descent.

- Winds have scoured some westerly aspects to dirt and rocks.

- Southerly aspects have melted back significantly, and substantial bare ground is visible in some steep rocky areas.

- At Twentynine Pines SnoPark in the Teanaway, temperatures were below freezing, 30°F. While just over 10 miles west, the Salmon La Sac SnoPark was 20°F warmer, at a balmy 50°F. It seems the cool air pooled in low laying valleys east of the Cascades had an abrupt western boundary today.