Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 24, 2020Submitted:
January 24, 2020Observer:
SAC - LundyZone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky MtnsLocation:
Iron/Goat Creek Divide - Northern SawtoothsSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
GoodConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
ImprovingBottom Line
Observations today primarily from mid-elevations. Persistent weak layers are buried 4-5 feet deep and would be difficult to trigger, but the snowpack structure remains concerning.
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
ObscuredWind:
Moderate , WLight snow flurries on and off in the morning. There was a brief, intense period of snowfall in the early afternoon that dropped 1-2 inches. There were a few breaks in the clouds and gusty W to NW winds around 3pm - seemed indicative of the frontal passage. The wind was moving snow at ridge level, but I did not see any sensitive wind slabs.
Snowpack Observations
Snowpack observations were from 6500 to 9100' on primarily easterly aspects. I focused primarily on mid elevations. Pole pokes at lower elevations revealed 60-90cm of snow depth with fairly obvious weak snow at the ground. Above about 7500', the snow depth quickly increased into the 120-180cm range.
I dug on E at 8250' and SE at 8700'. In both of these locations, I could pick out a subtle weak layer about 120cm down that was likely 12/31, as well as more obvious basal facets down 150cm. The possible 12/31 layer was more pronounced on the solar aspect, where a P hard slab sat on a layer of 1F rounding facets. The basal layer was more pronounced on the E aspect, where there was 5-7cm of 3-5mm DH sitting atop a crust on the ground. In neither location was there any sign of a weak layer in the top 120cm.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Unknown |
Layer Depth/Date: 120-150cm Sensitivity was not tested in any way, but would suspect Unreactive based on depth. |
Terrain Use
I ventured into terrain in the low 30s on sheltered slopes where the snowpack was uniformly deep.
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