Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 27, 2023
Submitted:
March 27, 2023
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Lee Lazzara
Zone or Region:
West North
Location:
Table-Herman (4200' > 5800' all aspects)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Media/Attachments

Natural wet loose avalanches from the weekend and big, overhanging cornices.
You can still trigger slab avalanches in very steep, isolated terrain features. Even with lots of tracks nearby. This avalanche was from Sunday or Monday. North at 4900'.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Wind:
Light , SE
New/Recent Snowfall:
Few cm's HST above crust in all aspects up to 5000', 30-40cm over 3/23

Clear and sunny but still cool temperatures for March. Light to moderate SE wind at ridgeline, light wind transport observed onto N'ly aspects. Stayed cool enough that lower elevation S'ly aspects were just starting to produce rollers at noon. Also left the field at that time . . . .

A smattering of wet loose, dry loose and slab avalanches to D2 on all aspects and at most elevations. A majority seemed human triggered and related to new snow warming over the weekend. A few larger naturals (from during the last storm) were visible looking towards Baker.

Snowpack Observations

Surface is a mix of faceting new snow and surface hoar. All aspects around Bagely had a soft temp/sun crust below the top few cm's of new snow. Crust started to become less pronounced above 5500' on all aspects.

A total of 30-40cm HST over 3/23 crust, which was also found on all aspects. HST is slightly upside down w/ 1F over 4F+. Looked for NSF's on 3/23 but found only traces in one pit. P hard layer of rounds below 3/23. No results on test slopes, shears, etc.

WordPress Lightbox