Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 4, 2022
Submitted:
December 4, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Andy Harrington
Zone or Region:
West South
Location:
Cement Basin

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Winds were moving snow easily and filling in tracks on 12/4 on East Peak.
Some potentially weak snow was found under the two more prominent crusts in the lower snowpack, but we don't have any confirmed avalanches on these layers at thsi time.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

New/Recent Snowfall:
~1"

It was a bit stormier than expected today. Those east winds were ripping on and near the ridgeline, making it quite chilly. There were periods of mostly light snow showers as well. Accumulations were difficult to measure due to the wind transport, but probably around an inch or two.

No new avalanches were observed.

Snowpack Observations

The snow near the ridgeline was severely affected by the wind. Firm wind-pressed snow, stripped areas, wind-loaded areas, fresh drifts, textured surfaces, and small wind skiffs over softer snow were all easily found. This extended off the ridgeline in open areas, but more wind-sheltered or treed locations still held cold low-density snow. Looking at the snowpack down in Cement Basin, I found a similar structure to previous reports throughout the zone. The snow under the 11/4 crust did appear a bit weaker in this location than others I have found to date. Deep tap tests produced some sudden results, but we do have two crusts bridging this layer and have not yet seen any avalanches on it. Something to keep an eye on, but I'm not ready to shout about it at this time.

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