Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 21, 2023
Submitted:
February 21, 2023
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Lee Lazzara
Zone or Region:
West North
Location:
Artist Point (4200' > 5200' all aspects)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Media/Attachments

Natural wind slab avalanche near at Artists Pt. NE aspect at 5000'.
Natural dry loose avalanches in Swift Creek.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Wind:
Light , NW
New/Recent Snowfall:
25-40cm F/4F HST over another 20-40cm 1F/P from 2/19 + 2/20

Light to moderate snow showers most of the day, with about and hour of clearing in the immediate area around noon. Winds just strong enough at ridgeline for light wind transport.

Many D1-1.5 natural dry loose all aspects and elevations, very easy to trigger in steeper terrain - about 6 natural slab avalanches D2 NTL + ATL from mid-storm, filled-in crowns and beds - an hour of warming initiated loose snow D1's on solar aspects (dry, not wet loose, likely triggered by snow shedding from trees, rocks, etc).

Snowpack Observations

Total HST from 2/19-21 observed as 85cm at 5100' - very right side up structure going from F to P. Thin MFcr at 100cm (Feb 13th?) and 120cm (Feb 9th?) down with P-hard FCxr layer below 100cm crust. CTH-SP down 67cm at a layer of graupel. DTH-SP at facet layer.

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