Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
April 7, 2023
Submitted:
April 7, 2023
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Matt Primomo
Zone or Region:
East Central
Location:
Mission Ridge

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Checking out the new snow/old snow interface.
Trees dripping, moistening snow at 6,000ft.
Rime on trees near the ridge.
Glide slab buckling along the access road.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured
New/Recent Snowfall:
4-8"

Spitting rain and snow showers. Light rain observed up to 6,000ft, but new snow from overnight as low as 4,500ft.

Snowpack Observations

Above 6,000ft the snow was drier, but still heavy and becoming moist quickly. The new snow appeared well bonded to the old interface, though I did find a weaker structure in some areas where moistening facets were beneath the denser storm snow on a shaded slope at 6,500ft. If you were going to trigger a slab, it would probably be on this structure.

Between 6000ft and 5000ft the snow was moist and grabby. Below 5,000ft the rain had soaked through, and snow skiied faster.

We were able to trigger small, slow running wet loose avalanches below about 5,800ft. These were pretty sluggish, but I got the sense that lower elevations or later in the day they could become more of a problem.