Observation: NWAC Forecaster
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
February 24, 2022Submitted:
February 24, 2022Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Dallas GlassZone or Region:
West SouthLocation:
Hogback Mt./ White Pass Backcountry (All aspects near-treeline. Limited observations below treeline)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedMedia/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly CloudyTemperature:
21°FWind:
Calm , NENew/Recent Snowfall:
<1" (1-2cm)Scattered clouds quickly increased and became broken, really limiting the impact of the sun today. Temperatures were still very cold in the morning, but were warming as I left the mountains in the early afternoon.
No new avalanches were seen.
Snowpack Observations
The wind really did a number on the snow surface on exposed slopes at upper elevations. I found evidence of winds from every direction except due S. Predominent wind directions were E and NW with Rime formed on trees/rocks form these events. Large wind sculpted features and scoured slopes abound. I found small pockets of wind loaded snow primarily on SE and W aspects up to 10" deep. Some of these features cracked and a few produced very small 4-6" deep slab avalanches.
On southerly slopes and thin (1cm) breakable sun crust formed earlier this week (Wed). Below the crust, cold dry storm snow remained. This snow is settling well and bonded strongly to the underlying crust/melt forms.
On shaded aspects: Storm snow ~10" (25cm), though wind affects produced many much deeper areas. The 2/19 crust is very thin (1cm). Between it and the Valentine's Day crust I found 1-1.5mm rounding facets. Theses weak grains did not fail in snowpack tests and show signs of bonding.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Slab
|
|