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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 26, 2019
Submitted:
December 26, 2019
Observer:
SAC - Lundy
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Baker Creek: Apollo & Brodie Gulch. Most obs from 8400-9700'

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
Isolated
Only experienced one small collapse in sheltered, mid-elevation terrain

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Fair
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

Buried surface hoar is widespread in mid and upper elevation terrain about 2-2.5 feet down. Snowpack tests require a bit of force but are still propagating. Surface hoar on sunny slopes sits atop a crust; these slopes may be slightly more sensitive. Some evidence of wind loading from the 12/23 storm, but seems isolated to the exposed ridges of the Baker divide. Despite the surface hoar layer becoming increasingly stubborn, knowing it's underfoot keeps me in low angle terrain.

Media

Evidence of wind loading from the 12/23 storm along the Baker Divide.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Cloudy
Temperature:
mid teens (est)
Wind:
Light , W

Overcast skies became scattered to few by later afternoon. 12/23 storm total in upper Baker Creek was 15-20cm of low-density snow. Significant amounts of snow available for transport. Solars were unaffected by the sun.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
Several Older than a week Head of Apollo Creek
E 9600 		D2 SS O-Old Snow N-Natural The Baker divide at the head of Apollo ran nearly wall to wall with evidence of numerous old crowns and debris piles that were covered by the recent storm.
Old crown in Apollo Creek
3-4 Past 24 hours Upper Gladiator Creek, Boulders
SE 9800? 		D1 L S-New Snow N-Natural Several small/narrow debris piles coming from steep terrain. Likely sun-induced dry loose. None

Snowpack Observations

Snowpack in upper Apollo and Brodie Gulch was relatively deep compared to Galena Summit - more similar to Beaver Creek. Total depth was generally 60-100cm. Fairly supportable riding despite having to goose the throttle in a few places.

@9200', SE, 26*:
Total depth 93cm. 12/7 SH layer was down 63cm and was sitting on a 1cm P hard crust. Slab above layer was 1F. ECTX, ECTP24

@9700', NE, 28*:
Total depth was 125cm. This location was about 50 feet below the ridge crest but likely received past wind deposition. 12/7 SH layer was 75cm down with a 1F slab above. The layer of DH near the ground was the worst I've seen so far, 35cm of F- snow and the crust at the top of the layer was almost completely broken down. ECTX on the SH layer, but with an extra hard hit it propagated.

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: 60-70cm, 12/7
Despite increasing ECT scores, still getting propagating results. Only one small collapse despite lots of stomping around.

Terrain Use

I avoided avalanche terrain.

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