Observation: NWAC Forecaster
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
February 20, 2023Submitted:
February 20, 2023Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Dallas GlassZone or Region:
Snoqualmie PassLocation:
Kendall Peak (S-W-NW aspects near and below treeline)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedMedia/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
ObscuredWind:
Moderate , WNew/Recent Snowfall:
No snow at Pass level, 4-6in near treeline.Snow levels were 3500ft at 10am. They quickly rose to 4500ft by noon. Precipitation rates weren't as high as expected but the warming temperatures and winds were as forecasted.
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Photos | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 |
Feb 20, 2023 11:00 am () |
Kendal Peak SW 5500ft |
D2 R2 |
SS-Soft Slab | N-Natural |
|
Report |
Below treeline I only found very small loose wet slides where blocks of snow fell of of rocky faces.
Snowpack Observations
Lower elevations: The soft surface snow seemed to absorb the rain like a sponge. 4-6 in (10-15cm) of wet surface snow was found in open areas. It was generally so soft and mushy that it never really caused new rollerballs and only minimal loose wet avalanches.
Near Treeline: The new snow was definitely up-side-down. Heavy wet snow sat over much weaker drier snow. Cracking was very isolated to my tracks and didn't propagate very far. Hand pits and hand shears showed slabs failing at the base of the wet heavy snow.
Other hazards: A barrage of tree bombs occurred around 11am as temperatures quickly warmed. Some of these blobs of snow falling out of the trees would have certainly hurt any unlucky traveler standing below.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Storm Slab
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Wet Loose
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