Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 4, 2023
Submitted:
January 4, 2023
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Josh Hirshberg
Zone or Region:
Stevens Pass
Location:
Tye River- southwest of Stevens Pass (2200-5,500ft, W-N-NE)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

A wind feature formed from multiple events in an open, wind-exposed terrain at lower elevation. Tye River Valley, 4,500ft.
Blowing snow visible in an open area below treeline. Tye River valley, 4,400ft, NE
Open creeks and very firm,  shallow snow cover at low elevations. Tye River valley, 2,300ft, NW

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured
Wind:
Moderate , N

Light freezing rain in AM on the pass. Scattered clouds in AM increasing to Obscured by noon. Winds calm, increasing to moderate by noon.

Numerous rollerballs and a few very small wet avalanches from the past week.

Snowpack Observations

No real snowpack concerns aside from surface conditions.
Many variable surfaces:
West aspects 3,800-5,500ft- Surface sun crust and frozen rollerballs/tree bombs.

Above 4,400ft, open terrain- Areas exposed to valley winds were capped with firm, older wind-board. Observed large wind-sculpted features around rocks. Areas with light wind affect were breakable to skis, but in many places there was no ski penetration. No cracking observed. We saw only light snow today despite moderate winds with strong gusts. Minimal snow available to transport.

Above 3,800ft, sheltered, treed slopes- Soft, 4-Finger hard, surfaces stayed cold and saw some light surface faceting. Ski penetration was 10cm. No surface hoar or riming observed. May exist higher in terrain.

Below 3,200ft- Under tree canopy- rough, Knife to Ice hard upper snowpack has seen significant melt-water and is solidly frozen. Open terrain- 2-4cm breakable sun/temp crust. Xmas crust is ~10cm below the surface. Creeks are open.

At 4,250ft, height of snow was 160cm and the Xmas crust was down 40cm.

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