Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 2, 2023
Submitted:
February 3, 2023
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Dallas Glass
Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie Pass
Location:
Keechelus Ridge/Gold Creek (All Aspects Near and Below Treeling)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Wind:
Light , E
New/Recent Snowfall:
No new snow.

Beautiful day in the mountains. Mostly sunny skies, mild temperatures, and generally light winds.

No new avalanches

Snowpack Observations

Southerly: A 1-2in (3-5cm) melt-freeze crust formed on these slopes. While it did soften some during the day, it was still strong and prevented any loose wet slides where I traveled. In general, this crust was not boot supportable. Below the crust, softer weaker snow was sandwiched above a second crust ~4in (10cm) deeper in the snowpack.

Slopes Not Receiving Direct Sunshine: Soft surface snow was very prevalent. This was mainly recycled powder (near surface facets). 4-6 in (10-15cm) of sugary facets sat on a slightly deeper crust. This layer was typically 4F hard, so not completely loose and unconsolidated but still weak. Surface hoar was not as prevalent as reported from other parts of the zone, but was occasionally found in lower-lying places in the terrain.

Wind Affect: Minimal wind-affected snow was observed near the ridge crest at 4500-4900ft. No pockets of wind slab were found.

Avalanche Problems

No avalanche problems were observed today.

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