Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 12, 2022
Submitted:
February 12, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Andrew Kiefer
Zone or Region:
East South
Location:
Darland Mountain (All aspects, 3200-6900ft)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

North and east aspects of Darland Mountain hold a consolidated 3-4ft deep snowpack.
Southerly aspects of Foundation Ridge melted out to bare ground up to 6200ft.
The Green Lake SNOTEL (5920ft) with a 40in deep snowpack.
A zoomed in view of the southside of Mt Rainier from Darland Mountain.
Looking toward Mt Rainier from Divide Ridge.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
40°F
Wind:
Calm , SE

Sunny skies, calm variable winds, and a strong temperature inversion. Highs in the mid-40s F near 6500ft.

No new avalanches. Observed debris from only one wet loose avalanche (D1.5) that was several days old. The slope above the debris pile where the avalanche ran was melted out to bare ground.

Snowpack Observations

The extended period of warm, dry weather has taken a toll on the snowpack in the Ahtanum Meadows area. Many southerly slopes are melted out to bare ground as high as 6500ft. On other aspects, the height of snow generally ranged from 1-3.5ft between 3000-6500ft. In most areas the snowpack is consolidated and strong with no layers of concern. On northerly aspects between 4500-6500ft, the late January crust is near the surface. Weak snow (facets) associated with the crust are moist and rounding. Overall, the snowpack was very spring-like, and snow surfaces began to soften around 11am making for pleasant travel conditions.

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