Observation: NWAC Forecaster

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Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 28, 2022
Submitted:
December 28, 2022
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Josh Hirshberg
Zone or Region:
East North
Location:
Frost Lake, Twisp River, lowland foothills (E, 2,200ft)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

1-2mm facets near the ground in the lowland foothills of the Twisp River drainage
A profile from the lowland foothills in the Twisp River drainage. 12/26 ice crust is very stout. Much of the snowpack was moist. however large facets near the ground remain angular and weak.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Partly Cloudy
Wind:
Light

Clear skies in the AM becoming broken

Small loose wet avalanches in recent HST on steep, sunny slopes

Snowpack Observations

Height of snow is about 60cm.
Sun crusts formed on the surface today. 14cm of recent storm snow rests on the 12/26 ice layer, which is so stout that it's supportive to skis.
While much of the snowpack is moist, less rain percolated below the ice crust compared to areas closer to the Cascade crest. Because of this, less of the upper snowpack has transformed to melt forms. Facets near the ground are still sharp, angular, and mostly dry. Compression tests yielded easy, sudden collapse results on facets, just above the ground. Temperatures in the lower 20cm were at 0 degrees C.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Wet Loose
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
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