Observation: NWAC Forecaster
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
February 17, 2023Submitted:
February 17, 2023Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Joe DellaportaZone or Region:
Mt HoodLocation:
Pea Gravel RidgeSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedMedia/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
New/Recent Snowfall:
HST from 2/13: 25 cm-30 cm (some settlement since)Some mid-level clouds rolled in during the late morning hrs. Winds were light and temperatures were mild, but remained below freezing above trailhead elevations. Filtering sunshine helped solar slopes get moist by late morning.
Snowpack Observations
The main story today was unreactive, old wind slabs - warming solar slopes ( SE-S-SW-W) - and good skiing on shady aspects. My partner and I found a strong upper snowpack and the new snow from 2/13 bonding well to the old snow surface.
We went out hunting for weak surface snow and only found surface hoar in isolated areas BTL, specifically near the creek in Heather Canyon. Otherwise, mild temps made snow surfaces moist on most aspects expect for north.
The MLK crust remains a prominent marker in the snowpack. We found this layer about a meter below the snow surface. We still are finding 1mm rounding facets on this crust. Deep Tap tests are producing hard results ( DT 23) with resistant planar character.
HS ranges from 240 cm to 280 cm above 5000 ft.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wet Loose
|
|
Comments: Observed D1 WL on a SE aspect at 5200 ft, likely a day or two old. Snow surfaces were moist on solars by late morning and rollerballs were easy to initiate on west aspects on our ski out. |