Observation: NWAC Observer
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
March 11, 2023Submitted:
March 11, 2023Observer:
NWAC Observer - Keeley RideoutZone or Region:
West NorthLocation:
Ruby Mountain (2000-7400ft, All Aspects )Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
WidespreadMedia/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly CloudyTemperature:
27°FWind:
Light , NNew/Recent Snowfall:
HN24: 20cmSnow was on and off throughout the day with the sun breaking through periodically, but not enough to cause significant warming. Winds stayed calm until ~6500ft ramping up to moderate and then heavy at ridgelines, transporting snow. We noted many distinct wind features on and near ridgelines ATL.
We set off multiple small avalanches on the new-old snow interface ~ 20cm down. Pretty much any roll over 35 degrees was likely to release some sloughing. There were also point releases from nearby trees and cliffs as well as some covered up debris from what looked like old wet-loose activity. Another party experienced shooting cracks near the top of a windy ridge at ~7000ft.
Snowpack Observations
20cm of very light, low density powder sat atop a layer of old snow ~100cm thick. Below the old snow was a crust.
We dug a pit at 5100ft on a North facing 35 degree slope. The snow depth total was 257cm. The pit we dug was 126cm. A compression test showed failure at the new-old snow interface. This was no surprise given the activity we observed on our descent ATL to NTL. After some extra hefty blows to wrap up the compression test we got the 100cm chunk of old snow to fail 15cm down and again at it's base (see pics).
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Storm Slab
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Layer Depth/Date: 20cm: 03/11/2023 |
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Wind Slab
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