Observation: NWAC Observer
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 28, 2023Submitted:
January 28, 2023Observer:
NWAC Observer - Keeley RideoutZone or Region:
Mt HoodLocation:
White River West Sno Park (4000-5000ft, All Aspects)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedMedia/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
OvercastTemperature:
27°FWind:
Moderate , ENew/Recent Snowfall:
HN24: 5cmSnow accumulation started light and increased throughout the day as did winds. By late afternoon ~2 inches of new snow had fallen and strong east winds made it feel like it was snowing sideways. Visibility was ~100 feet.
No avalanches observed, visibility to surrounding hills was obscured by clouds.
Snowpack Observations
By 3pm, 5cm of fresh snow sat atop a crust. Snow hardness changed in the upper 15cm of the snowpack through a series of crust-snow sandwiches. Beneath these layers, hardness increased until a knife hard layer roughly 40cm from the surface. A compression test gave the impression of stability. A fracture occurred in the column just above the 40cm deep crust at CT17.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Slab
|
|
Unknown |
When venturing into mid and upper elevations keep your eyes peeled for signs of wind slab like shooting cracks and a hollow feeling underfoot.