Observation: NWAC Forecaster

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
April 14, 2023
Submitted:
April 14, 2023
Observer:
NWAC Forecaster - Lee Lazzara
Zone or Region:
West North
Location:
Huntoon + Table (4200' > 5200' all aspects)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Widespread wet loose avalanche activity from April 12th on the south side of Herman.
Wet loose avalanches are starting to work their way onto more northerly aspects at mid elevation.
Below the most recent snow, the snowpack is comprised of alternating layers of well bonded crusts and hard, rounded grains.
These tracks and small slab avalanche - probably from April 12th - are now partially filled in by wind transport and a bit of new snow.
Large avalanches on Ann, most likely from both April 6-7th and the 9th.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Wind:
Light , S
New/Recent Snowfall:
Nil

Clear with clouds slowly building by midday.

No new from the past 24 hours observed. Lots of wet loose (to D2) and few skier/rider triggered slabs (D1) around Table and Herman. Lots of large wet avalanches scattered across this part of West North from the rain event last weekend, especially to the south, but the very large slabs seem concentrated around Ann/Baker Backcountry.

Snowpack Observations

Nearly all aspects have breakable crust covered by an inch of new snow and surface hoar from last night. Slopes >25deg on NW-N-NE aspects at mid elevation observed to still hold soft snow. 25-40cm of 4F over the 4/9 rain crust. The crust is thick, well frozen, and quite slick in steep terrain where the new snow pulled away with a slab or was sluffed off. Couldn't find any actual wind slab, just areas with more new snow due to wind loading. No results with ski testing and hand shears. Alternating rain crust and hard rounded grain layers below.

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