Observation: NWAC Forecaster
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
March 21, 2023Submitted:
March 21, 2023Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Joe DellaportaZone or Region:
Mt HoodLocation:
Timberline/Little Zigzag/ Zigzag CayonsSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedMedia/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Partly CloudyTemperature:
Below freezing°FWind:
Moderate , ENew/Recent Snowfall:
HN24: 2 inRelentless (moderate) east winds drifted snow all day. The morning started mostly clear, however clouds moved in from the east which resulted in a mostly cloudy afternoon. These increasing clouds kept WL avalanches at bay.
Snowpack Observations
We didn't have to go far to find drifting and signs of unstable snow. From the Timberline parking lot, we observed east winds drifting new snow into shallow slabs on west aspects. I found these soft slabs (4F hard) to be reactive and failing easily on test slopes. Slabs were generally shallow, 6-8 in deep and failing on the stout 3/19 MFcr.
In more sheltered area we observed 10-15 cm of new snow from the last 48 hrs resting on the crust. Ski quality is improving, especially in more sheltered pockets near and above treeline.
On my drive out I observed some rollers on steep S facing road cuts @ 5,000 ft, however no wet loose avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 6-12 Comments: East winds are loading up west aspects. I found these shallow slabs (NTL @ 6000 ft) to be reactive on test slopes. These slabs were 6-8 in deep and failing on the stout 3/19 MFcr. |