Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 18, 2022
Submitted:
February 18, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Katie Warren
Zone or Region:
East Central
Location:
North Fork Teanaway (2600-6200ft primarily W and S aspects)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Northern and eastern aspects has faired the prolonged warm temperatures better and still have a substantial snowpack.
Steep south facing aspects have a thin snowpack with bare ground showing in places.
A few inches of snow fell overnight on Feb 14th-15th and this snow was drifted into isolated pockets with a dappled texture.
Still some cornice hazards existing on ridges at higher elevations. You can see debris from this cornice on the slope below.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Wind:
Moderate , W

Mild temperatures with moderate westerly winds and clear skies. No available snow for transport and the top 1-3cm of snow surfaces softened nicely in the sun.

Snowpack Observations

A generally strong snowpack exists, and we did not observe any weak snow or surface hoar on the crust in these locations. Northern aspects held a more substantial snowpack with a melt-freeze crust on the surface. Even without weak snow over them, these slick crusts may act as a good bed surface when we get additional snow.

While there were still significant cornices hanging over north and east aspects, many had melted back or failed.

Above 5500ft, we observed pockets 1-2inches of snow from the Valentine's Day storm that winds had drifted into a dappled texture with moist, rounding grains and an ever so slight melt-freeze crust on the surface. It was just enough for minor glopping on your skins but still skied like corn snow.

The top 2-3cm of snow softened in the sun and made for enjoyable spring corn skiing.

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