Observation: NWAC Forecaster
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
April 7, 2023Submitted:
April 7, 2023Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Joe DellaportaZone or Region:
Mt HoodLocation:
Palmer/Salmon River CanyonSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedMedia/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
New/Recent Snowfall:
Above 6500 - HN24: 25 cmThe sun unexpectedly came out and sure enough, solar aspects got moist, even above treeline. Winds were generally light out of the W/NW.
Snowpack Observations
Below 6000 ft: The recent rain has done a number on the snowpack at these elevations. Wet loose avalanches ran their main course yesterday (4/6) on many steep slopes. Rain runnels were prominent on many slopes near and below treeline.
Above 6000 ft:
At 6000 ft we started hitting significant new snow. We generally observed 25-30 cm of dense new snow. Overall, it seemed like this new snow was bonding well with the old snow surface. Wind drifted snow was quite obvious in the canyons, but appeared stubborn on test slopes below 7000'. Ski quality was surprisingly pretty good at these elevations.
In a test profile @ 6100 ft, E aspect we observed a deep snowpack reading > 500 cm. Generally, we found a strong upper snowpack and 140 cm (55 inches) above the 3/31 crust.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Slab
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Comments: Evidence of recent drifted snow was prominent above 6000 ft. On test slopes these slabs appeared stubborn below 7000'. Uncertain how reactive these slabs are above this. New snow is quite dense, so it will take some strong winds to transport it. |
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Wet Loose
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|
Comments: Evidence of WL was nearly on every steep slope BTL/NTL. Rollerballs were even observed on steep, sunny, east aspects of the White River during sunny periods. These wet loose slides were generally small. |