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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 12, 2019
Submitted:
December 13, 2019
Observer:
SAC - VandenBos (off duty), David
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Salmon River side of Galena Pass

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Widespread
Collapsing? 
Widespread
Small new snow (loose and storm slab) avalanches on steep road cuts on Salmon side of Pass

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Poor
Confidence in Rating: 
Stability Trend: 

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured

20-25 cm new snow by nightfall. Variable cloud cover, things opened up for a few hours this afternoon, then started slamming back shut around 1700. Winds restricted to exposed upper elevation terrain.

Snowpack Observations

Thin, weak snowpack. Two sets of buried SH (fom 12/7 and 12/11) and some DH to worry about down near the ground.

Pit dug on the Salmon River side of Galena Pass at 9,000' on a westerly slope on 12/12/19. Dates indicate burial depth of weak layers. SH=surface hoar DH=depth hoar. Photo: Amy David

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Persistent Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Layer Depth/Date: 12/7
12/7 depth hoar, produced extensive collapsing, sometimes several collapses per slope
Persistent Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Layer Depth/Date: 11/26
Depth hoar buried 11/26. Avalanches triggered on 12/7 could easily step-down to this layer
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