Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 6, 2023
Submitted:
January 6, 2023
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Dallas Glass
Zone or Region:
West South
Location:
Norse Peak, Kahuna Peak (4000-6700', All aspects near treeline. westerly below treeline)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Media/Attachments

E winds this past week stripped commonly loaded aspects.
Blowing snow from W winds today were reloading previously scoured E aspects
Snow profile on a N aspect at 6000ft in Little Goat Basin.
Looming very large cornice.
A very large cornice overhanging a N facing bowl at 6300ft.
Scoured slopes on the South slopes around 6000 ft.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Partly Cloudy
Temperature:
27°F
Wind:
Moderate , SW
New/Recent Snowfall:
Since 1/4: 2 inches (5cm)

Mostly clear early with increasing clouds and wind during the day. Only a few flurries. Generally no precip.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
2 Jan 5, 2023
() 		Goat Basin
N 6200ft 		D1.5
R2 		HS-Hard Slab 1ft NC-Cornice Fall
This avalanche was triggered by a natural cornice fall. N, 6300ft, HS-NC-D1.5-R2-U
Cornices and a natural cornice triggered wind slab avalanche. N, 6300, HS-NC-D1.5-R2-U
Debris from a recent wind slab avalanceh in Goat Basin N, 6400ft
Report
1 Dec 24, 2022
() 		Norse Peak
NE 6500ft 		D3.5
R4 		WS-Wet Slab 4ft N-Natural
A very large and wide deep wet slab avalanche from the Christmas Eve cycle This crown wraps a from NW-N-E around the basing. 6500ft. WS-N-D3.5-R3-O
A very large and wide deep wet slab avalanche from the Christmas Eve cycle This crown wraps a from NW-N-E around the basing. 6500ft. WS-N-D3.5-R3-O
A very large and wide deep wet slab avalanche from the Christmas Eve cycle This crown wraps a from NW-N-E around the basing. 6500ft. WS-N-D3.5-R3-O
Report
1 Dec 24, 2022
() 		Norse Peak
NW 6600ft 		D2.5
R3 		WS-Wet Slab 3ft N-Natural
A old crown likely from the Christmas Eve Cycle. NW 6600ft
Report
2 Dec 31, 2022
() 		Goat Basin
SE 6000ft 		D2 HS-Hard Slab N-Natural
Avalanche crown in Little Goat basin. SE 6000ft
Report
Goat Basin
Norse Peak
Norse Peak
Goat Basin

Snowpack Observations

Near Treeline:
Wind loading: Today's winds were blowing out of the SW and loading N-E aspects. This included blowing snow, fresh cornices, sharp drifts, textured surfaces, and scouring slopes. Wind slabs 12-15" deep were seen on N-NE aspects near treeline. Easterly winds from last week had stripped many E-SE-S aspects and eroded cornices. Lingering hard slabs were seen from this event on W and NW aspects but did not crack on small test slopes.

Numerous hand pits and snow profiles were conducted on W-NW-N-NE-E aspects between 5900-6200ft looking for buried surface hoar. While I could easily see the 1/4 interface (where the surface hoar should be) but I did not find it intact in any location. Generally 10-15in (25-40cm) of settled snow over the Christmas Crust in sheltered areas.

A sun crust (1-2in/ 3-5cm) was found on SE-S-SW aspects.

Below Treeline:
The snowpack decreases significantly below 5000ft. Below 4500ft most slopes are covered with less than a foot of snow.

Avalanche Problems

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