Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 17, 2020Submitted:
January 17, 2020Observer:
SAC - Martin StefanZone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern MtnsLocation:
Central BouldersSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
IsolatedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
FairConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
SteadyBottom Line
Buried weak layers from New Years still show signs of straining under wind/storm slab from mid elevations and up, especially where the wind has been loading.
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
ClearTemperature:
mid 20s estWind:
Light , NWAn inch of snow overnight, lots of wind transport at higher elevations on Smoky crest and in the Boulders, from NW.
Snowpack Observations
At lower elevations the storm slab is in some areas resting on thin crust, that gave collapses and cracks. HS around 70cm and bottom of snowpack under crust completely faceted out.
As I got higher the crust disappeared, and the storm slab rested straight on top of 40cm FC in sheltered areas. Where the wind had got to the snow there were isolated pockets of DF under stiffer windskin/windslabs that produced collapses and cracks.
9000' S relatively sheltered HS 100cm
20cm DH at gnd
12/31 @ 50cm FC 2mm under varius generations of windslabs mostly 4f and topped off with 25cm right side up storm snow, 4f->F
ECTP13q1 PST30/100 end on 12/31
No signs of 12/7, might have faceted out where the snowpack is this thin.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 12/31, 40-100cm Depth based on both today and previous days. 12/31 seems to be the most pronounced persistent problem in this region right now, but deeper layers are still there in some areas too. |
Terrain Use
I avoided avalanche terrain
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