Observation: NWAC Observer

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 18, 2023
Submitted:
January 18, 2023
Observer:
NWAC Observer - Willie Webster
Zone or Region:
East North
Location:
Blue Lake Peak (North and Northwest aspects near and above treeline)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Digging a crown profile on the North side of Blue Lake Peak. (N 7580'; HS-N-D3-R3-O)
A sizeable two tiered crown north of Blue Lake Peak. Overall slab thickness varied from 150cm to 250cm or more. (N 7580'; HS-N-D3-R3-O)
Two interfaces were involved in this natural avalanche; just above the Christmas crust and within/ above the late November crusts, now large facets. (N 7580'; HS-N-D3-R3-O)
3-6 mm facets pulled from the lower snowpack. This is what the late November crusts have transitioned to in some areas.
The Christmas melt freeze crust has undergone some faceting in this location.
Two tiered crown on North side of Blue Lake Peak. (N 7580'; HS-N-D3-R3-O)
Crown profile of Blue Lake Peak avalanche. (N 7580'; HS-N-D3-R3-O)
Area of Blue Lake Peak avalanche
https://youtu.be/ZuWDEMQjTBA

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Temperature:
23°F
Wind:
Calm
New/Recent Snowfall:
3-4" today

calm wind conditions with light to moderate snowfall. 3-4" snowfall today.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
1 Jan 18, 2023
() 		Blue Lake Peak
N 7580ft 		D3
R3 		HS-Hard Slab O-Old Snow 5ft N-Natural
Digging a crown profile on the North side of Blue Lake Peak. (N 7580'; HS-N-D3-R3-O)
Crown profile of Blue Lake Peak avalanche. (N 7580'; HS-N-D3-R3-O)
Area of Blue Lake Peak avalanche
Two interfaces were involved in this natural avalanche; just above the Christmas crust and within/ above the late November crusts, now large facets. (N 7580'; HS-N-D3-R3-O)
Report
Blue Lake Peak

Investigated D3 avalanche on N side of Blue Lake Peak. This occurred in the past several days. This natural avalanche slid on the Christmas crust and stepped down into Nov. facets.

Snowpack Observations

In the Liberty bowl area there are 3-4" of new snow sitting atop a very fine melt freeze crust with small surface hoar above and near surface facets below. This fine crust did not impact ski quality which was excellent. The snow above the Christmas crust is right side up and varied in depth from 60 to 90 cm. The new snow on the surface included capped columns which is just really exciting to see under magnification, but isn't really significant. No shooting cracks were observed, and no layers sheared in hard shear tests in the snow above the Christmas crust. We stayed away from wind loaded slopes, so we can't speak to that problem. Our focus was on the Blue Lake Peak avalanche.

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