Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Date:

February 16, 2022

Submitted:

February 16, 2022

Observer:

NWAC Forecaster - Andrew Kiefer

Zone or Region:

Mt Hood

Location:

Tilly Jane (all aspects, 3800-6800ft)

Recent Avalanches?

None Observed

Cracking?

Isolated

Collapsing?

None Experienced

The icy old snow surface is exposed in many areas above treeline with discontinuous scabs of wind-affected snow elsewhere.

Scrappy conditions and low snow in Pollalie Canyon.

Small chunks of this freshly formed wind lip broke off with ski stomps. (SE, 5000ft)

Variable surfaces in the alpine with exposed ridges, icy surfaces, and wind-affected snow.

Advanced Information

Cloud Cover:

Clear

Temperature:

30°F

Wind:

Strong , NW

Clear skies and sunshine with gusty NW winds

The recent storm snow is stabilizing and well bonded to the Valentine's Day Crust. On shady slopes between 4500-6000ft, the storm snow has settled to about 6in and is still cold, low-density and provides for nice turns in the most wind protected areas. On most slopes, surfaces are highly variable and the storm snow is heavily wind-affected and patchy with the icy old snow surface exposed. Travel conditions are challenging in the alpine between the icy surfaces and grabby wind-affected snow. On sunny slopes, a breakable crust exists that began to soften around noon.

Problem	Location	Distribution	Sensitivity	Size	Comments
Wind Slab	N E S W	Isolated Specific Widespread	Unreactive Stubborn Reactive Touchy	D1 D1.5 D2 D2.5 D3 D3.5 D4 D4.5 D5
Wet Loose	N E S W	Isolated Specific Widespread	Unreactive Stubborn Reactive Touchy	D1 D1.5 D2 D2.5 D3 D3.5 D4 D4.5 D5	Comments: Cool temperatures and winds kept wet loose issues at bay with only a few rollerballs observed

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