Close

Professional Observation

       

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 2, 2023
Submitted:
February 3, 2023
Observer:
Everett Phillips | ESAC Forecaster
Zone or Region:
McGee Creek
Location:
McGee Creek Peak - Alpine Conditions

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Key Points

Went for a field visit to McGee Creek with the goal of reaching ridgelines and collecting information on surface snow at all three elevation bands.

  • There are 5- 20cm of loose surface snow in protected areas at all elevations. In sun and wind exposed areas this snow has been blown away or refrozen.
  • Wind slabs were isolated and stubborn.
  • Some sluffs were observed in north facing terrain over 45 degrees, but they did not run very far or entrain additional snow.
  • Southwest terrain above treeline is wind scoured.
  • Dug in at 10500′ on a WNW aspect on McGee Creek peak and found 205cm of rounds with wind board and 10cm of F hard snow at the surface. No concerning layers besides thinking about the surface conditions as a potential weak layer for the weekend’s storm snow.

Media

Small sluffs on steep NW facing terrain. Did not run very far or entrain additional snow.
WNW, 10,500', McGee Creek Peak
Isolated cracking in wind-slabs on ridgelines
Conditons and coverage in McGee Creek. Looking north at the south face of Mt. Aggie.
High thin clouds created a

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Partly Cloudy
Temperature:
31 F @ 11,400 at 1:30 PM
Wind:
Light , SW

Light blowing snow was observed every now and then. It was primarily below ridglines on N facing terrain. No slab formation occuring.

Thin cloud cover in the afternoon prevented the snow surface from cooling by radiation (greenhouse effect). Surface snow below 9800′ was moist at 2 PM on shaded N aspects.

 

Close