Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 8, 2023
Submitted:
January 8, 2023
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Joe Dellaporta
Zone or Region:
Mt Hood
Location:
Vista Ridge- Mt Hood

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured
Temperature:
30°F
Wind:
Moderate , S
New/Recent Snowfall:
HST: 11 in HN24: 5 in

Intermittent snow squals throughout the morning. Moderate S winds.

Snowpack Observations

I went out to further investigate the distribution of the recent layer of buried layer of Surface Hoar (buried on 1/3). I didn't find it everywhere, but in places I did - it showed the ability to propagate across a slope ( ECTP21). You can locate this layer approximately 45 cm ( 17 inches) below the snow surface and sitting a couple inches above the 12/30 rain crust. The 12/30 rain crust is now 50 cm (20 in) deep. Today and in past days, I've been finding this layer on specific aspects near treeline, on N, NE, E aspects.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Persistent Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Layer Depth/Date: 45 cm/20230103
Comments: Still tracking its distribution across the terrain. However, I've been seeing it NTL on N,NE, E aspects. Yesterdays human triggered avalanche that propagated widely on Gunsight Ridge was at 5600 ft, NW aspect. Based on depth/description, surface hoar could have been a likely culprit.
None Specified
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