Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 27, 2022
Submitted:
December 27, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Matt Primomo
Zone or Region:
East Central
Location:
Mission Ridge

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Media/Attachments

Small wet slab avalanche on a road cut. This slide appeared fairly fresh.
Glide action on a road cut.
A north facing slopes in the NTL.
70cm deep profile at 6,100ft NNW aspect. Weak snow near the ground, but refreezing melt forms and water percolation may inhibit avalanches.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured
Wind:
Moderate , S
New/Recent Snowfall:
10-15cm at 6,000ft

Snow line seemed to be around 4,500 by noon, with mixed frozen forms above that

Lack of visibility to see higher terrain, but a number of glides, full depth wet loose, and wet slabs had occurred below the parking area on steep road cuts.

Snowpack Observations

The most relevant tests today were quick profiles with a hand pit to check how far water had percolated into the snowpack. In one area at 6,100ft I could still find large, dry basal facets near the ground, but not without a thick layer of melt froms from the rain above it. Many areas between 5,500 and 5,000ft were quite punchy, and become mostly unsupportable below 5,000ft. Here, water had percolated through to the ground.
Above 5,500ft the ski conditions were good, with supportable snow and creamy fast turns.