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Professional Observation

       

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 17, 2023
Submitted:
January 17, 2023
Observer:
Everett Phillips | ESAC Forecaster
Zone or Region:
Rock Creek
Location:
Rock Creek Area - Blowing Snow Near Treeline

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Key Points

I went out to Rock Creek today to assess wind and storm instabilities in the most recent snow. Takeaways:

  • Rock Creek Rd. has not been plowed yet. It is closed at the Tom’s Place intersection.
  • 20 to 30cm of snow fell in the most recent storm
  • No recent avalanches observed despite good visibility
  • Snow plumes from moderate NW wind visible along ridges
  • Wind effect observed in surface snow at all elevations in exposed areas

Media

Upper snowpack 8900' BTL, N aspect, Rock Creek
ESE start zone at 10200' in Rock Creek
Sastrugi and blowing snow near treeline in Rock Creek.
Wind effect and blowing snow on the backside of the Wheeler Crest.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Wind:
Moderate , NW

Mostly sunny and cold with moderate NW winds in the alpine.

Snowpack Observations

BTL HS: ~230cm to 250cm, NTL HS > 300cm

20230116 HST: 25 to 35cm

8900′ N aspect, HS 245cm, slope 28 degrees: CTE RP and ECTN down 30cm

10200′ NE aspect, HS > 300cm, slope 32 degrees: CTE RP down 15cm, ECTN down 15cm, CTH RP down 30cm

20230117 Wind Slab – stubborn, specific, up to D2

20230116 Storm Slab – unreactive, widespread, up to 1.5

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