Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 11, 2023
Submitted:
March 11, 2023
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Irene Henninger
Zone or Region:
West North
Location:
Schreibers (2000-4600ft, S-E-W)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Pit test results on a south facing pit at 4400’ at the Baker NRA. Failures occurred at the new/old interface, although not enough slab was present for propagation in the ECT.
A pit at the Baker NRA. An obvious crust was present on south-facing slopes from earlier in the week. The new/old interface was indiscernible until I did some out tests, which didn’t produce particularly alarming results.
This was the largest sluff, or dry loose avalanche, that was seen at the Baker NRA. 4600’, W

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Wind:
Calm
New/Recent Snowfall:
28cm

Variable light snowfall the whole day. Cloud deck was varying at around 4500ft most of the time we were there.

Snowpack Observations

Made it to Schreibers and up as far as the Salad Bowl. Marginal visibility at the upper elevations today made travel tough, and we had no interest in going higher.

Just under 1ft of new snow from overnight was present, and riding conditions were great. The snow wasn’t wind affected and was right side up, generally well bonded to underlying layers. I did get some pit test results above the crust but nothing that gave me concern in this location.

The south facing crust was noticeable, although not as present on the east and west facing terrain. Only very minor sluffing, or dry loose, on very steep slopes was visible where we were, although we were unable to see any higher elevations.

Riders were out on the steep, east-facing Railroad Grade and the west facing steeps as well, with no avalanches produced.

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