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PROFESSIONAL OBSERVATION FORM
 Start Date: 01.26.19 Name: Lundy Operation: SAC
 Drainage/Route:  Prairie Peak Observed Terrain:  7000-9500, SE-E-NE Zone/Region:  Smoky & Boulder Mountains
WEATHER OBSERVATIONS
 HN24: HST: Sky: SCT Precip: Temps:
 Ridgeline Wind: Strong from the NW
 Blowing Snow: Prev Snow Available for Transport: None
 Comments: Stronger winds atop Prairie Peak than what was showing at Titus. Upper 500 vertical feet was strafed by the northerly winds, northeast side was scoured sastrugi and the southeast side was extensive hard slab
AVALANCHE OBSERVATIONS
 No. Location Date Size Type Trigger Aspect Elevation Comments
 Several Solar aspects in the Boulders Today 1 WL N S upper
 Comments: Numerous other rollerballs visible in the high Boulders as well.
SNOWPACK OBSERVATIONS
 HS: 70cm at low elevations off the highway, ranging to 120-150cm on upper elevation shaded. Obs below from 9100', NE 
 Upper Pack: F to 4F DF and FCsf 
 Middle Pack: 1F to P RG 
 Lower Pack: 30cm FC and DH, 4F at top of layer quickly becoming 1F below. Dry. 
AVALANCHE PROBLEM ASSESSMENT
Avalanche Characteristics
Character/Avalanche Problem:
Deep Persistent Slab

Layer/Depth:
11/22 & 12/11, 80-110cm
Likelihood of Triggering
Sensitivity:
Stubborn

Spatial Distribution:
Widespread
Terrain
  Primary Concern Comments: 
 
Avalanche Characteristics
Character/Avalanche Problem:
Wind Slab

Layer/Depth:
Likelihood of Triggering
Sensitivity:
Unreactive

Spatial Distribution:
Isolated
Terrain
  Problem 2 Comments: 
 Comments: I didn't observe a wet loose problem but looks like it existed to some extent in the Boulders. There was extensive hard slab on the SE aspects near the top, I attempted some ski cutting and stomping but nothing happened. My sense is they are pretty glued down, especially since they are baking in the sunshine.
STABILITY TESTS
 Stability Test Results: 9100', NE, 25*: HS 135cm, PST 30/100end, cross slope PST 40/100end. Based on where these tests ended up fracturing, the columns should have been 110cm, but I suspect they were still reasonably valid tests.
SNOW STABILITY
 Snow Stability Rating for your observed area: Confidence: Trend:
BOTTOM LINE
 Comments: Deeper snowpack in this area than I was expecting. Thought it might be more like Butterfield/Baker Creek but it was deeper and consequently stronger. Basal facets finally seem to be showing signs of strengthening and being compressed from the overlying slab - but the PST results were still a heads up.
FILE ATTACHMENTS

190126_galena_pk_rollerballs.jpg 		Roller balls on Galena Peak

190126_prairie_pk_snowpit.jpg 		Cross slope PST 40/100end 110cm down. The block should have been wider.