Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 2, 2022
Submitted:
December 2, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Irene Henninger
Zone or Region:
West Central
Location:
Hwy 2 corridor (1000ft-4400ft, all aspects)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Low density powder snow with no wind-affect at 4400ft.
Sluffing, or very small dry loose avalanches which occurred in the surface snow around 3200ft.
A deep tap test on the bottom crust layers yielded no result. (DTN)
A right side up majority of the snowpack. No layers of large concern were identified by the bottom crusts. Only result was CT28 BK 28cm down.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Temperature:
26°F
Wind:
Calm

Snowpack Observations

The Highway 2 corridor had a lot of snow for this time of year, with over a foot in the Skykomish area along the highway. Snow was 2.5 ft deep at 3200ft, and over 4 feet by 4400ft. I saw natural and also triggered very small dry loose avalanches (sluffs) in the top few centimeters of snow. A north-facing and west-facing pit at ~4350ft found the majority of the snowpack right-side-up, with Fist-hard snow slowly transitioning to 1 Finger by the uppermost crust. The snow in both pits was well bonded to the crust. I didn't find facets in the layer above the ground and between the crusts. Glorious low density powder was at the surface. Boot penetration was 40cm. No signs of wind loading were present where I traveled.

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