Observation: NWAC Observer

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 20, 2022
Submitted:
February 20, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Observer - Paige Baugher
Zone or Region:
Mt Hood
Location:
Mitchell Creek/Apple Creek Drainage (S-W-E)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Snow observations at 4800 feet in the forest.
Isolated cracking was observed on wind-loaded convex rollovers at and below treeline
Cornices were generally difficulty to trigger
Wind effect was visible on east-facing slopes at treeline
Two crusts were clearly visible at 5800 feet. Both appeared well-bonded to layers above and below.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Cloudy
Temperature:
20-28°F
Wind:
Calm , W
New/Recent Snowfall:
4-5 cm of new snow

At 4800 feet in the trees the temperature was 25 degrees F, winds were calm, precipitation was falling around 1 cm per hour as graupel and snow, but no snow transport was observed. At 5800 feet at treeline, winds were generally calm but gusting 10-15 mph and transporting some snow, precipitation was falling as graupel and snow around 1 cm per hour. Skies were generally overcast with breaks of sun.

No avalanches were observed.

Snowpack Observations

At 4800 feet (below treeline and in a forested area), the snowpack was 160 cm thick - 20cm of low density storm snow was observed on top of ice to the ground. The storm layer was generally well bonded to the ice below. At treeline (5800 feet) several layers were observed on an east-facing, wind loaded slope. A 35 cm layer of low-density wind-loaded storm snow was observed above a 2 cm ice crust. Below this crust was a softer layer that was 20 cm thick. Below this layer was ice. Facets were observed above both crusts, but both crusts appeared well bonded to the snow above and below. A reactive layer (CT 2) was observed 8 cm below the surface, but this layer did not propagate in an ECT. Cornices were difficult to trigger but isolated cracking was observed on some convex rollovers.

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