Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 8, 2020Submitted:
January 8, 2020Observer:
SAC - Stefan, DavisZone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern MtnsLocation:
Titus ridgeSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
IsolatedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
FairConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
SteadyBottom Line
In this area we found both old favorites such as the early december surface hoar, and newcomers like the weak facets buried by the New Year's storm. Both gave snappy results in our tests and are probably not going to react favorably to a big load of new snow and wind, which is just what it looks like we have coming.
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
OvercastTemperature:
mid to high 20s estWind:
Moderate , WModerate winds at ridge top moving some snow. Clouds moving in and out, with short squalls of moderate snowfall.
Snowpack Observations
12/31 seems to be a player in this area too, in addition to 12/7. It was observed in hand shears on top of the ridge, sometimes dirty, sometimes clean.
9200' SE, approx 30m below ridge top, HS 77cm ECTP13 down 55 (12/7) MFcr+FC/SH, ECTP14 down 34 (12/31) FC. Slab hardnes F - F+ all the way down to 55cm. Moist DH near ground were not reactive.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 25-40cm, 12/31 Comments: Confidence in distribution is low, SW-SE is based on our observations in the area, but could potentially be present on N1/2 too. |
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Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 12/7, 40-70cm Comments: Surprisingly reactive in our tests today. |
Terrain Use
We avoided avalanche terrain except for very short pitches of planar slopes in the low 30s with clean run outs.