Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
April 5, 2022
Submitted:
April 5, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Irene Henninger, Josh Hirshberg, Jordan Dykes
Zone or Region:
Stevens Pass
Location:
Big Chief, Skyline (All aspects, 4000-5500)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

There may have been slight wind loading in this pit, on a 32 degree slope along Skyline Ridge. We got CTM PC and ECTN16 above the density inversion in a graupel layer. We also got CTH PC and ECTN22 below the density inversion near the bottom of the new snow layer
A crisp cornice and wind feature from westerly wind at the top of Highland Bowl.
A broken cornice near Highlands Bowl
Crisp cornices and wind from westerly wind at the top of Highlands Bowl.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Temperature:
30°F
Wind:
Light , W
New/Recent Snowfall:
2.5"WE, 22" HST @ Schmidt (4/4-4/5)

Light to moderate predominantly westerly, yet in many locations variable, winds at ridgelines. Sky cover was mainly overcast with snowfall up to S2, however brief filtered sun breaks appeared in the morning, and larger ones appeared in the afternoon.

Ski cuts on steep rollovers throughout the day yielded shallow dry loose avalanches. We avoided large, steep slopes.

Snowpack Observations

Variable winds contributed to cornice formation on ridgelines and crossloaded features close to ridgelines in the upper portions of the BTL.

It was surprisingly chilly for April in the Cascades, with snow staying low density and dry for most of the day, and we had powder skiing reminiscent of midwinter deep days. The exception was south-facing snow getting heavier as sun breaks intensified in the afternoon, albeit relatively small breaks.

In a pit on a NE aspect at 5200ft we found 90cm of storm snow overlying the April 3 crust. There was a midway harder density inversion, and in pit tests we got CTM PC and ECTN16 above the density inversion in a graupel layer. We also got CTH PC and ECTN22 below the density inversion near the bottom of the new snow layer.

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