Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 28, 2019 - December 28, 2019
Submitted:
December 28, 2019
Observer:
Pro
Zone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley Mtns
Location:
Lake Creek --> Triple --> Badger. All aspects. 6000-8400'

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
Isolated
evidence of N wind yesterday with 10-30cm 4F windslab, ATL along Triple ridge. multiple collapses but small and isolated. Shooting cracks 1-2m.

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Fair
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Worsening

Bottom Line

Status quo / CONS on upper elevation N aspects in regards to Persistent Slab Prob.

unlike prior days obs (which were just a bit south and just a bit lower), buried surface hoar layer 12/7 easily seen above about 7800'.
results on this LOC very variable depending on overlying slab properties. In most locations ECTN with mod strength, but in a few locations ATL, with recently wind stiffened overlying F+ to 4F 40cm slab --> propagating results.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Wind:
Calm

Snowpack Observations

HS 50-55cm N aspects above 7500', 10-15cm on solars
PS 10cm -- 0cm on windhit ridgelines.

above about 7800' still finding 12/7 (tipping over but still primed (photo) down about 30-35cm.

per BTM line : results variable depending on overlying slab properties.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Persistent Slab
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
Layer Depth/Date: down 30-40cm. 12/7
Comments: still possible at upper elevations. not apparent in mid elevations, lack of snow solars
Wind Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
Layer Depth/Date: upper 10-20cm