Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
April 12, 2022
Submitted:
April 12, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Josh Hirshberg
Zone or Region:
Stevens Pass
Location:
Lanham Lake (NW, N, E, 3,000-5,550ft)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

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A small loose wet avalanche on Lichtenberg Mtn. 4,500ft, SE
Gratuitous powder shot illustrating the low density April "cold smoke"
Old wind features, previously formed from westerly winds are blanketed with snow that fell since April 8th. This feature gets significant wind affect from west winds but rarely from easterly winds.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured
Wind:
Light , NE
New/Recent Snowfall:
13cm in past 24hrs

Heavy snow (S2) to the Smithbrook trailhead in the AM from an upslope storm on the E side of the Cascades subsided to S-1 in the PM. The thicker clouds and heavier precip moved east of White Pine creek in the PM. Mostly thick clouds w brief thinning or momentary clearing, more so in PM. Enough to warm surfaces. E wind only affected the most prone locations in the hwy corridor and adjacent E-W running drainages.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
1 Apr 12, 2022
() 		Berne chutes, Nason Ridge
SE 4300ft 		D1 WL-Wet Loose I-New/Old Interface 0.5ft N-Natural
A loose avalanche initiated on a sunny slope near rocks (top left) and ran through a winding track in steep terrain (bottom right). Nason Ridge, 4,300ft, SE
Report
Berne chutes, Nason Ridge

A couple of D1 sun-triggered point releases (moist) on SE on Lichtenberg Mtn and Nason Ridge. Multiple small D1 loose dry avalanches ran w sunshine on steep features above Lanham Lake, NW, 4,700ft.

Snowpack Observations

Generally, recent snow is well bonded, aside from soft, low-density surface layers. Found 40-50cm over the 4/8 melt forms/crust, which is a bit shallower than at the top of the pass. At 4,150ft, found moist snow just above (small DFs) the 4/8 interface and below it, where large melt forms weren't frozen. Favorable hardness profile in the top 50cm w layers getting progressively harder w depth. Boot penetration was 40cm. See profile image.

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