Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
December 18, 2019Submitted:
December 19, 2019Observer:
SAC - VandenBos (off duty)Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern MtnsLocation:
Eagle CreekSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
IsolatedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
FairConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
SteadyBottom Line
Slab is faceting and loosing its integrity so obvious signs of instability are decreasing. However, I'm not taking this is an indicator that our weak layers are healing, just waiting for a load.
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Temperature:
invertedWind:
Moderate , SWPretty steady moderate SW wind up high, but had to get way up (~10,000') to get into it. High stratus opened up a bit to the west for a few hours in the afternoon. Inversion mixed out by the end of the tour. Start around noon in a puffy, summit at 2:30 in a t-shirt.
Avalanche Observations
No recent avalanches observed. Limited time prevented a thorough glassing. Elk made a good effort to trigger slides with no results - walked the span of the headwall at ~9,000'.
Snowpack Observations
Full depth faceting of the thin snowpack. Solars have some crusts in the mix and a bit more strength but shadies are F or F- and dry. Found 12/7 SH preserved and standing tall up to 9,000', buried 25-30cm deep in this area. Distribution became spottier above this, probably due to both wind and sun affects. Seems quite likely that this layer will continue to be a significant problem in this area - we have yet to put enough of a slab on it to stress it to failure.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 12/7, down 25cm Insignificant slab to create major issues, yet. I anticipate activity on this layer with additional loading |