Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
December 24, 2019Submitted:
December 24, 2019Observer:
SAC - SavageZone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley MtnsLocation:
Baldy OB - Warm Springs Ck drainage: 8000-9000' on NW-N aspectsSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
IsolatedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
FairConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
Bottom Line
Surface hoar layer buried about 40 cm down (a little over a foot) looks and acts terribly in stability tests. No major collapsing observed. While I was digging, I watched 2 younger skiers center punch one of the starting zones where there was an accident about 5 years ago, together, with no rescue gear. Some slopes appear to be "stable", but I'm pretty sure there are still slopes you can trigger - especially where the new snow is wind-affected.
Media
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
ObscuredTemperature:
mid 20s FWind:
Light , SSnowing S1, winds were light to moderate and moving a tiny bit of snow. Plenty of snow available for transport.
Snowpack Observations
Depth=55-70 cm on NW-N slopes near the top of Baldy. 12/7 SH layer was widespread in the meadows above the upper starting zones. I didn't poke around in the paths, but the 12/7 SH transitions from widespread in the open terrain up high to sporadic (as expected) as you worked into the thin trees lower in elevation.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 12/7 I called the 12/7 SH distribution "specific" because it becomes sporadic in the trees below the upper starting zones. Guessing on sensitivity: somewhere in the reactive to stubborn range. |
Isolated drifting where I was, but I'd guess there are some true wind slabs up another 1000' in elevation.
Terrain Use
I stayed out of avalanche terrain.
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