Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
April 13, 2022
Submitted:
April 13, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Matt Primomo
Zone or Region:
East Central
Location:
Mission Ridge

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Cross drifted slopes beyond the western boundary of Mission Ridge.
Microwave bowl at Mission Ridge.
Soft wind affected snow near the eastern boundary of Mission Ridge.
Wind ripple features at 5,500ft in open terrain at Mission Ridge.
Profile on N at 6,200ft, with slightly weaker layer above the early April crust.
Profile on NE at 6,200ft

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Wind:
Light , NE
New/Recent Snowfall:
100cm of storm snow, more or less since the 10th.

Light snowfall gave way to some breaks of sun through overcast skies. Generally cool to cold temperatures with minimal snow surface warming

Numerous small natural loose avalanches on steep embankments along the road below Mission Ridge.

Snowpack Observations

The new snow is generally very low density, right side up and on top of 1F to P hard wind layers. Ski pen is about 100cm.

Dug a profile on a NE aspect at 6,200ft and found an HS of 239cm. There was about 90cm of storm snow over a stout crust from early April with a favorable hardness profile. Hardness started at F- and went down to P+ right above the crust, which was K.
CTH, RP down 55cm.
ECTN H here down 55cm.
No result on the interface with the early April crust here.

Of note, I did find one location on a N facing slope where there was some weaker (1F-), old snow right above the early April crust. This weaker snow may be isolated in nature, but bears consideration and watching especially when temperatures warm up.

Please observe and respect all ski area closures as they gear up to open for the weekend.

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