Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 27, 2019 - December 27, 2019
Submitted:
December 28, 2019
Observer:
SAC - O'Connor
Zone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley Mtns
Location:
Mt Fuji, Indian Creek. SW, W, N. 6000-8120

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Improving

Bottom Line

No hard signs of instability

Shallow snowpack as expected, but enough to ski. Less red flags in structure and no propagation. Dug 4-5 pits, one of few places I've been to this year without easily identifiable 12/7 buried surface hoar. Curious if less prevalent below certain elevation band?

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Wind:
Light , N

saw development of N wind and cloud cover in northern sector of zone, but this region stayed fairly isolated. Little wind until 4pm. cold temps (8-12F)

Snowpack Observations

above 7K, HS 50-60cm.
difficult to find 12/7
basal 0-15cm 2mm FC moist

skied here on 12/25 --> now on 12/27 extensive surface hoar development

increased surface hoar development on N half on compass. Mt. Fuji, Indian Creek.

Terrain Use

normal caution - avoiding traps, etc. skied slopes to 32* on N aspects.