Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 22, 2022
Submitted:
March 22, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Lee Lazzara
Zone or Region:
West North
Location:
Mt., Baker Ski Area perimeter (3700-5200' good visual obs into ATL)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Media/Attachments

Multiple large wet loose avalanches initiating from alpine terrain. Northwest aspect of Mt. Shuksan.
Wet loose and slab avalanches on the Shuksan Arm. Northwest aspect @ 6000'.
Wet loose avalanche at the toe of the East Gully of Herman.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Mixed cloud cover and visibility with sun breaks. Plenty warm but moderate south winds and periods of very light drizzle/mist seemed to keep things cooler near ridgeline.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
10 Mar 21, 2022
() 		Baker backcountry
N 6000ft 		D2 WL-Wet Loose 0.5ft N-Natural
Multiple large wet loose avalanches initiating from alpine terrain. Northwest aspect of Mt. Shuksan.
Wet loose and slab avalanches on the Shuksan Arm. Northwest aspect @ 6000'.
Wet loose avalanche at the toe of the East Gully of Herman.
Report
Baker backcountry

Basically just about every steep slope produced some variation of wet loose yesterday or this morning. Most D2 or less but large, ATL paths produced D2.5-3. Wet avalanches initiating high on the White Salmon, the Arm, NW Couloir, N Face in addition to standard wet loose paths on the Goats, Sefrit, etc. Easy to trigger wet loose on steep slopes that had not yet avalanched. 1x slab on Shuskan Arm of unknown origin, timing, etc.

Snowpack Observations

70cm above old snow surface (thin temperature crust) buried 3/19. Top 20cm 4F wet, saturated. The remainder of HST moist 4F>P DF+RG with minor H20 pooling above 3/19. Rills at the surface below 4500' while less pronounced above that elevation.

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
None Specified
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