Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
April 2, 2022
Submitted:
April 2, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Dallas Glass
Zone or Region:
West South
Location:
Bullion Basin, Crown Pt, Morris Creek, Pickhandle, Bear Gap (All Aspects Near and Below Treeling)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Snow profile in the Crystal Backcountry.
A small test slopes produced this 4-8" deep wind slab pocket. Simlar test slopes produced other very small slabs. SE, 6300'.
Signs of possible wind slabs were seen on many exposed ridges and helped us anticipate possible wind slab locations.
Human triggered rollerballs from the new snow on a steep southerly aspect.
A few looming cornices remain in the Crystal Backcountry. Anytime the sun comes out and temperatures warm up, have these potential hazards on your mind.
You can see the actual root of the cornice and ridgeline in this photo. Thing how much snow actually overhangs to right with this cornice.
Lots of slopes are starting to melt out even on sunny aspects at mid elevations.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Partly Cloudy
Wind:
Moderate , NW
New/Recent Snowfall:
Overnight: 1-2" Week total: 2-4"

A few short-lived snow showers in the morning and low clouds quickly cleared leaving a nice day. Plenty of sunshine and warming temperatures made it feel like spring. Moderate but gusty winds were occasionally transporting snow near the ridge crest.

No new avalanches. There's plenty of evidence of cornice collapses, loose wet, and a few spring shed-slides from this past week or two. All of these slides' debris was covered by 2-4" of snow.
I was able to trigger 4 very small wind slabs that were 4-8" deep and only 10' wide.

Snowpack Observations

The recent snow sits on the stout and growing 3/30 crust. On most aspects, this snow became moist and sticky in the sun. It quickly began to incorporate into the 3/30 crust. I was able to trigger a few small rollerballs by mid-day, but suspect that loose wet slides became more prevalent in the afternoon. The more shaded slopes retained the 2-4" of dry snow over the 3/30 crust and did not have a significant avalanche issue.

Deeper in the snowpack, I was able to find the remnants of the 3/8 facets/Early March Crust. While no longer facets, this week layer did fail in a few small column tests. Most of the snowpack is made up of large grain melt-forms and very thick and stout melt-freeze crusts. As this continues to freeze, it will only become stronger.

Recent N winds redistributed the snow loading some unusual locations (E-SW). Wind loaded pockets produced cracks and a fe very small slab avalanches.

Bare ground is starting to make its way into the mid and upper elevaitons. Exposed ridges and steep rocky slopes are starting to become exposed.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
None Specified
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