Observation Date:
January 13, 2020 - January 13, 2020
Submitted:
January 13, 2020
Observer:
Pro
Zone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley Mtns
Location:
Soldier Mountain Cat Ski area
Recent Avalanches?
Yes
Cracking?
Isolated
Collapsing?
None Experienced
The precipitation intensity last night was amazing for our region. There were numerous D2 size slides that occurred mainly in the lower areas where the snowpack was thin. At the top of our peaks nothing appears to have moved. We are experiencing moderate but not heavy wind loading and the snow is not slabby or cohesive. Basically it is just deep blower snow evenly distributed below the ridges. I expected our usual avalanche paths to slide but nothing has yet. It looks like this next wave is going to stay cold, but the wind direction is moving the the SW. I'll have a better idea tomorrow of what that does.
Stability Rating:
Fair
Confidence in Rating:
High
Stability Trend:
Worsening
This storm came in cold with lighter winds than we are used to. The new powder is not cohesive and with a few exceptions, staying in place. This next wave with another foot of snow will add weight to the already sketchy snowpack and where the SW winds deposit it I feel there is potential for some very large slides. Tomorrow will be interesting, I'll keep you posted.