Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 9, 2020 - January 9, 2020Submitted:
January 9, 2020Observer:
ProZone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley MtnsLocation:
Soldier Mountain Cat Ski areaSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
None Experienced
New wind deposited snow is brittle on the leeward slopes.
Snow Stability
Stability Rating:
PoorConfidence in Rating:
HighStability Trend:
WorseningBottom 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.