Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
December 29, 2019Submitted:
December 30, 2019Observer:
SAC - VandenBos (off duty), PetersonZone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky MtnsLocation:
Bench Lakes drainage to 8,300'Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
FairConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
SteadyBottom Line
Obvious signs of instability continue to decrease slowly. However, we've got a proven producer for our weak layer (12/7 surface hoar) that likely hasn't put on its last "show" yet. We will see what happens with this week's two loading events.
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
OvercastTemperature:
low to mid 20s F (estimated)Wind:
CalmOvercast to obscured skies, periodic light snow showers (S-1) without much for accumulation maybe 1.5cm total on the day. No wind audible aloft.
Avalanche Observations
No recent avalanches observed.
Snowpack Observations
Spent some time digging around on solar and shaded aspects at middle elevations. Seeing a decrease in sensitivity of snowpack test as overlying slab facets. Visually, it appears that the slab has *started* the process of penetrating and squashing the SH (buried 45-50cm down). However, still plenty of open space at that interface. SH produced ECTNs in the mid teen to low 20s range in all pits. PSTs and CPSTs producing SF results with cut lengths in the 30s/100. Overlying slab as faceted significantly, particularly on shaded aspects. General thought: we aren't gaining much strength at the SH interface, but the slab is loosing strength. I'd expect this to act up again with the forecasted loading events this coming week.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 12/7, down 45-50cm |