Observation: NWAC Forecaster
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
March 4, 2023Submitted:
March 4, 2023Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Dallas GlassZone or Region:
Snoqualmie PassLocation:
Kendall Peak/Kendall Knob (All Aspects Near and Below Treeline (3000-5000ft) )Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedMedia/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
OvercastWind:
Strong , SENew/Recent Snowfall:
New Snow (HN24) 3" (8cm), Storm total (HST) 16-24" (45-60cm)Increasing winds made it pretty stormy out there today. Blowing snow extended down into the tall trees with active blowing snow.
There were several (10-12) small natural dry loose avalanches in very steep terrain below treeline this morning. They looked very fresh at 9:00. We were also able to trigger small slow running dry loose in terrain over 40 degrees.
Snowpack Observations
Wind: Increasing SE winds were actively blowing snow and forming fresh wind slabs. I was able to trigger wind loaded pockets up to 8-10" (20-25cm) deep by 1030am. Blowing snow, textured surfaces, drifts, snow knocked out of the trees, and wind lips were seen near and even below treeline.
Upper Snowpack: Outside of wind affected areas the new snow was right-side-up and generally well bonded at the 3/1 interface. We found lots of graupel in the storm snow. Occasionally this would fail in hand pits/shear, but was in consistent and did not produce any results on small slopes or uu track tests.
The 2/25 interface (down 70-80cm) routinely failed using deep tap tests. This is the layer we suspect failed on 3/3 when a small avalanche stepped down to a deeper layer. A thin melt freeze crust can be found at this interface.
There are lots of deep holes and open creek holes despite all the new snow.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Slab
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Dry Loose
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