Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 9, 2020 - January 9, 2020
Submitted:
January 9, 2020
Observer:
Pro
Zone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley Mtns
Location:
Soldier Mountain Cat Ski area

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
New wind deposited snow is brittle on the leeward slopes.

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Poor
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Worsening

Bottom Line

We have been been digging, bombing and ski cutting all week. Today the new 3" of snow have blown into our leeward bowls and created soft slabs that are very touchy. I made a ski cut across the top of Big Bowl this morning and had a release crack in front of my skis 200' long and 1" wide. Our skiing is fantastic on the areas we've worked but the the wind loading and the coming storm loading above it concerns me. Skiers and snowmobilers should avoid wind loaded areas for obvious reasons, especially later this weekend.

Advanced Information