Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 7, 2022
Submitted:
December 7, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Matt Primomo
Zone or Region:
East Central
Location:
Blewett Pass

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Sparkly surface hoar carpeting the Grand Daddy bowl in Owl Creek
Wind etching on Table Mountain.
Top loaded lee feature in Owl Creek.
Profile of NE aspect at 6,000ft in Owl Creek.
Sled triggered slab on rd cut N at 6,200ft in Owl Creek.
Cross loaded pocket in 'Avalanche Alley' or 'Rock Slide'. NW at 5,400ft

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Partly Cloudy
Wind:
Light

Valley fog inversion east of the crest, with upper extent of fog ranging from 3-4,500ft.

Two small avalanches observed.
1. D1 windslab that did not appear to break into deeper layers off E facing portion of Grand Daddy in Owl Creek.
2. D1 sled cut rd cut that ran a few feet on basal facets (11/22) before coming to rest.

Snowpack Observations

General HS in the 60-70cm range, though certainly deeper near ridgelines. Boot pen to the ground, sleds would bog down if not careful in most places, though found some very stiff wind board near ridgelines and in open wind exposed meadows.

NE at 6,000ft HS was 60cm:
SH to 5mm on top
Decomposing fragments and some rounds from F down to 1F.
11/25 thin, friable crust down 30cm 4F+
11/22 2mm facets down 35cm at F hard.

CTM x2 SC down 35cm on 11/22
ECTP 13 down 35cm on 11/22