Observation: NWAC Forecaster

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Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 7, 2023
Submitted:
March 7, 2023
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Andy Harrington and Dallas Glass
Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie Pass
Location:
Gold Creek Snowpark

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Media/Attachments

Snow depths in the eastern part of the zone are shallower than at the Pass proper. As is our most recent layer of concern, the 2/25 interface.
Old rollerballs were observed on steep slopes, often originating near rocks or trees.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

New/Recent Snowfall:
A couple cms

There were clouds overhead for much of the morning with periods of sun slight breaks and periods of light snow snowers as unstable cells passed through.

No new avalanches observed

Snowpack Observations

Dallas and I took the snowmobiles out of Gold Creek today to get some eyes on the Eastern part of the zone and see how conditions were stacking up in comparison to the Pass proper. As expected, we found a shallower snowpack (HS = 255 at 4750', S), but the surprise was the shallower depth of the 2/25 interface (down 45 cm).

We noticed rollerballing and pinwheels from the recent spells of sunny weather and also noted older wind-effect near ridgelines. Slopes that see direct sunshine had a breakable sun crust below an inch or so of low-density snow. Generally speaking, the upper snowpack was well-settled and right-side up.

Good riding conditions with plenty of powder to play and get stuck in.

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