Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 24, 2022
Submitted:
February 24, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Katie Warren
Zone or Region:
East South
Location:
Manastash Ridge (3000-5100ft; primarily N & W aspects)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

3-5cm of recent snow is faceting near the underlying crust. The shiny surface is large stellar precipitation particles.
Thin coverage even at upper elevations on northern aspects.
Large stellars on the snow surface from light flurries on Thursday 2/24.
Recent storm snow overlying the stout crust has quickly turned into well developed facets over the thick crust.
Thin snow cover everywhere, but still a drastic difference between northern and southern slopes.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Temperature:
20°F
Wind:
Calm
New/Recent Snowfall:
HST ranged from 3-5cm

Snowpack Observations

I traveled from 3000-5100ft from Manastash SnoPark to Manastash Ridge via snowmobile. The inversion and regular grooming of trails has kept enough snow to travel. However, the snowpack is painfully thin. Southern slopes are melted out and lots of bare patches on other aspects.

At 5100ft I found an HS of 30cm. There were some drifted pockets that held up to 50cm of snow.

Most of the snowpack is consists of strong refrozen melt forms. 3-8cm of recent snow rests on the surface and has been drifted around by the wind. Directly above the crust 1-2mm facets have developed. Surface forms consisted of large 3-4mm stellar.

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