Northwest Avalanche Center - Public Observation

Name:

Enji Cooper

Observation Date:

November 20, 2022

Submitted:

November 20, 2022

Zone or Region:

Stevens Pass

Activity:

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Location:

Rock Mountain via Rock Mountain Trail

Comments:

Broke some superficial hard slabs (likely wind slabs). The slabs were small (<1/2"), but were present on all eastern aspects.

Snowpack depth and characteristics were a bit all over the map today.
Below 4.8k', the snowpack was almost non-existent, and was only present in shaded areas. Above 4.8k', it was a mix of conditions:
- Large surface hoar crystals were present in some areas between 4.8k' and 5.4k'.
- In leeward areas, there was a fair bit of dry wind fetch. Boot penetration here was at least 1.5' off the beaten track.
- South facing slopes had refreeze crust above treeline and snowpack was extremely shallow along the ridge (<1'). - East and north facing slopes had wind effect (satsurugi). It looked like the prevailing direction of the wind was from the west, but there was some deep snow on the ridge (1'~2'), but the majority of the snow seemed to be supportive when using snowshoes. Cornices hadn't formed visibly yet, but I didn't closely inspect the east ridge. - Much of the surrounding mountains (Howard, Nason Ridge) were bare of snow on steeper aspects; much of the snow seemed to be in the basin between Rock and Howard.