Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
November 26, 2022
Submitted:
November 26, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Andy Harrington
Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie Pass
Location:
Kendall Lakes

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

There are still plenty of open creeks and other natural hazards, even as you ascend in elevation (Kendall Lakes 4380')
At lower elevations plenty of recent storm debris and low snow conditions exist after the rain event on 11/25. A few inches of fresh snow capped this storm.
Small bushes and trees in the foreground and plenty of rocks and some bare ground on upper elevation slopes on Kendall in the background. All are indicative of the early season conditions that exist at the pass right now.
Snowpit showing two easily identifiable crusts from 11/25 and 11/22.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

New/Recent Snowfall:
1-2"

Low clouds in the morning thinned out and were patchy by the time we left the field around noon. At that point, there were periods of sunshine and blue skies. Basically zero wind observed in my location.

Not a whole lot going on avalanche-wise. A few dribs and drabs from tree bombs due to yesterday's storm on cutbanks.

Snowpack Observations

Traveled up to Kendall Lakes (~4400') via the road. We were able to be on skis the entire way up and back, but low snow conditions and natural hazards abound. The HS was measured to be 11 inches (28cm) at 3300' and closer to 19 inches (50cm) at 4400'.

Two crusts were easily identified (11/25 and 11/22) in a pit on a NE slope at 4380' with relatively strong, albeit somewhat moist/wetted snow making up the majority of the HS. No significant weak layers were found and 2" (~5cm) of fresh soft snow was on the surface atop the 11/25 crust.

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