Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 4, 2022
Submitted:
March 4, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Andrew Kiefer
Zone or Region:
Mt Hood
Location:
Tilly Jane (3800-6800ft, all aspects)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Media/Attachments

5800ft and up, 3-5in of cold, dry snow sits above a firm crust.
Low snow and icy conditions on the Tilly Jane trail below treeline.
Several small natural loose wet avalanches in Pollalie Canyon
Heavily wind affected snow on Cooper Spur
A very large natural slab avalanche on the Eliot Glacier Headwall that likely occurred on 2/28.
A very large natural slab avalanche on the Eliot Glacier Headwall that likely occurred on 2/28.
A very large natural slab avalanche on the Eliot Glacier Headwall that likely occurred on 2/28.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Temperature:
20-30°F
Wind:
Light , NE
New/Recent Snowfall:
3-5in on 3/2

Mostly sunny skies with waves of low clouds. Light NE winds and no blowing snow.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
1 Feb 28, 2022
() 		Eliot Glacier Headwall
NE 10600ft 		D2.5
R2 		HS-Hard Slab N-Natural
A very large natural slab avalanche on the Eliot Glacier Headwall that likely occurred on 2/28.
A very large natural slab avalanche on the Eliot Glacier Headwall that likely occurred on 2/28.
A very large natural slab avalanche on the Eliot Glacier Headwall that likely occurred on 2/28.
Report
Eliot Glacier Headwall

Impressive natural avalanche cycle on the upper mountain 2/28

Snowpack Observations

Below treeline, the snowpack was icy and covered in tree debris with a few short patches of bare ground to walk on the Tilly Jane trail. Between 5500-6500ft, surface hoar coated 3-5in of dry recycled powder above a firm crust - better than expected travel conditions. Above 6500ft, snow surfaces are heavily wind affected and variable with plenty of grabby snow and firm wind-board. The 2/26-3/2 atmospheric river did some damage to the snowpack below 4500ft. The past few days of cold temperatures locked up previously saturated upper snowpack layers and light snowfall on 3/2 refreshed surfaced conditions.

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