Observation: NWAC Forecaster
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
December 6, 2022Submitted:
December 6, 2022Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Dallas GlassZone or Region:
West SouthLocation:
East Peak, Cement Basin: Crystal Backcountry (All aspects near and below treeline (4300-6600 ft). )Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedMedia/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
OvercastTemperature:
28°FWind:
Moderate , WNew/Recent Snowfall:
TraceGenerally a benign weather day. Cold temperatures, moderate winds at ridgetop, cloudy to mostly cloudy skies. None of these pieces were significantly impacting the snowpack.
None Noted.
Snowpack Observations
Wind-affected snow was the most significant observation. East winds from the weekend sculpted the snow on many E-facing slopes. Large wind-textured features (sastrugi) we evident. However, more recent moderate West winds were reloading the E-faces with new shallow and reactive wind pockets. Fortunately, there wasn't much snow to transport. This kept these new wind slabs very small and confined to features adjacent to the ridgelines.
Southerly slopes hold a much shallower snowpack: HS: 75-100cm, but the general structure looked the same as more shaded slopes (11/4, 11/22, 11/27 all present).
Northerly slopes contain a deeper snowpack with average HS 120-160cm. We conducted several tests on the potential weak snow under the 11/22 crust, but did not find any significant results.
The recent storm snow from 11/29 onward is settling nicely, and seems to be gaining strength. While inter-storm layers are evident, they did not show signs of failing nor continuing to produce avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Slab
|
|
Comments: Very small and newly forming wind slabs were located close to ridgelines. |