Observation: NWAC Observer

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 4, 2022
Submitted:
March 4, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Observer - Robin Pendery
Zone or Region:
West South
Location:
Paradise (Near tree line and above tree line, S/SW)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Small cornice failures in the foreground, and larger wet slabs in the background from this week's AR event
Variable wind scoured surfaces above treeline.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Wind:
Moderate , SE
New/Recent Snowfall:
1-4 inches HN

The day started with clear skies and little to no wind.

By midday, a moderate SE wind picked up at ridgelines. Blowing and drifting snow were evident, and the wind direction was driving some unusual loading patterns. Clouds built in the afternoon below 9,000 ft, limiting the amount of daytime warming at lower elevations.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
2 Mar 2, 2022
() 		Wilson Glacier
E ft 		D2.5 U-Unknown
Small cornice failures in the foreground, and larger wet slabs in the background from this week's AR event
Report
Wilson Glacier

Multiple small wet loose avalanches from the most recent AR are visible in the surrounding area. Several large possible wet slabs from the storm earlier in the week ran onto the Wilson bench.

Snowpack Observations

Around 5,600 ft we found around 1 inch of new snow well bonded to a still moist crust.

By the top of Panorama Point (6,700), total HN was closer to 3-4 inches. At this elevation, moderate SE winds were driving a decent amount of wind transport. We found 1-3 inches of 4F+ wind compacted snow above 2-3 inches of F storm snow. This snow is all on a firm crust.

On small terrain features, I was able to trigger shooting cracks on lee slopes at ridgeline.

Above Panorama point, we found a variety of surface conditions ranging from wind-scoured to breakable wind board.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Wet Loose
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Comments: Roller balls and very small wet loose avalanches observed on sun affected slopes around 6,500. Overall, there seemed to be a very narrow band of terrain actually being effected by the sun today. Anything at ridgeline was insulated by the wind, and anything below 6,000 ft saw afternoon cloud cover.
Wind Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Comments: Reverse loading on unusual aspects
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