Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 31, 2023
Submitted:
February 1, 2023
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Joe Dellaporta
Zone or Region:
Mt Hood
Location:
Pea Gravel Ridge

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

The strong east winds of last week caused cornices to erode along Pea Gravel Ridge.
Stubborn hard wind slabs on west aspects.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Cloudy
Temperature:
32°F
Wind:
Moderate , W

The day consisted of high clouds with decent visibility. The afternoon provided some sun breaks and temperatures climbing to the mid 30's. West winds picked up during the afternoon and started drifting any available snow back onto lee aspects.

Snowpack Observations

We went searching for wind slabs on west aspects. Generally, we found these slabs to be pencil-hard and stubborn in sensitivity. We did observe some isolated cracking in these areas. East aspects are in rough shape. Cornices are eroded from last weeks strong/extreme east winds and these slopes below were firm. On these slopes the slide-for-life risk is likely the greater hazard.

Below/near treeline, we observed approximately 4 inches from Sunday sitting on the 1/27 melt freeze crust. In these more sheltered areas we found more desirable travel and ski conditions (however, still not great).

Towards the end of the day West winds ramped up and started blowing any available snow back onto east aspects.