Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 16, 2022
Submitted:
February 16, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Matt Primomo/Nate H-S
Zone or Region:
Stevens Pass
Location:
Skyline/Moonlight (All 3,900-5,300ft)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Tilt tests would fail about 4" down, just above the crust. SW at 5,200ft
NW at 5,300ft. Upper snow layers showing new snow over Valentines Crust.
Weaker grains were found within the Valentines Crust on NW at 5,300ft- faceted melt forms.
Isolated wind drifts would release easily under a skiers weight. East at 5,300ft
Small rollerballs at 11AM on an East aspect at 5,200ft.
Greatly improved ski conditions...'hot pow'.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Cloudy
New/Recent Snowfall:
10cm newer snow above ~4,800ft, less below.

Cool temps in the morning with scattered low clouds. The sun did poke through by mid-morning.

Snowpack Observations

10cm of newer snow over the most recent 'Valentine's Day Crust'. The new snow was fairly well bonded to the crust on southerly aspects, but not as well on shaded slopes. Wind had recently drifted snow into small and isolated, but reactive slabs at an exposed ridgetop, even with some trees nearby. Small, but sharp faceted grains were observed within the eroded crust on shaded slopes above about 5,000ft. This layer proves watching as we get more snow into the weekend.
From afar, and quick glance while driving it appeared higher elevation slopes such as Jim Hill had a fairly substantial amount of wind textured snow.
Skiing down, small rollerballs could be triggered on very steep slopes in the sun, but you'd have to really try to get something moving that resembled small wet loose avalanches. Overall, quite an improvement on travel conditions, and a nice taste of winter again.

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