Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
December 1, 2019Submitted:
December 1, 2019Observer:
SAC - Lundy (off duty)Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern MtnsLocation:
Titus Ridge to peak above Titus LakeSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
GoodConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
WorseningBottom Line
Wind slabs formed by today's moderate easterly wind were reactive to a rider's weight, but relatively small in size. As expected, the snowpack on sheltered slopes is shallow and weak - especially near the ground.
Media/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
ObscuredTemperature:
upper teensWind:
Moderate , SEWind speeds nudged towards strong on sections of the ridge that are more exposed to SE winds. Skin track along ridge was drifted over on the exit. Snowfall generally S-1 becoming S1 by mid to later afternoon. Perhaps 2cm of HN between 1200 and 1600, but hard to tell due to wind.
Snowpack Observations
Fresh wind slabs from SE winds were 30-60cm thick and would crack under a skier's weight. They were not that large in size, probably a combination of the terrain and the fact that most snow from E aspects had already been transported. The snowpack consists of approx. 30cm of low density snow since T-day on top of an MF crust of varying degrees of strength. Beneath the crust was facets and depth hoar to the ground.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 30-60cm/today Comments: Wind slabs seemed to be breaking on lower density snow below. |
Possible persistent slab problem where new or old wind slabs are sitting atop pre-existing/pre-TG snow.