Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 27, 2023
Submitted:
February 27, 2023
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Lee Lazzara
Zone or Region:
West North
Location:
Schriebers - NRA/Mt Baker south side (3400' - 6400' - E-S-W)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Media/Attachments

Small natural avalanhces were a common sight on wind loaded slopes. South aspect at 6200'
Southeast winds in the morning were transporting snow off the Railroad Grade and onto west facing slopes on the other side of the ridge.
Wind affected snow above treeline.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured
Wind:
Moderate , SE
New/Recent Snowfall:
10cm F HST over 2/25-26 storm snow + wind slabs

Ceiling at 8000'-9000' in the AM. East wind trasnporting snow off RR Grade and other exposed features onto west aspects. Wind backed off and snowfall increased to S1-2 @ 1100hrs.

Lots of D1-1.5 winds slabs, naturals probably in the last 24 hours. Up to 30cm deep? Mostly on S and E aspects directly under cornices. Older, very filled in crowns visible on east aspects ATL, some could have been D2.

Snowpack Observations

F new snow overlying 40-60cm of storm snow from 2/25-26, 4F>P. A few more P+ wind slab layers going down to K-hard melt-freeze crust. Don't have the exact layer dates - thickest crust from 2nd week in Feb? More exposed or barely buried firm crust on wind scoured knobs, sidelines, etc. ECTN at mid storm interface down 35. CTH-RP at FCxr below thin MFcr down 105cm > maybe the 2/13 layer that produced human triggered avalanches in mid-Feb.

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