Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 29, 2020 - January 29, 2020
Submitted:
January 29, 2020
Observer:
SAC - O'Connor, McClurg
Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky Mtns
Location:
Grand Mogul

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
windslab problem touchy above 9500, N, NE aspects
multiple sluffs on solar sunkissed rockbands which then entrained H24 below

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Fair
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 

Bottom Line

solar aspects quickly picked up a lot of heat today. multiple sluffs seen which then gained enough energy to entrain H24 (15-25cm) below resulting in multiple D1-D2 seen on this tour.
intentionally triggered touchy windslabs on high (>9200ft) N to E aspects. one in steeper terrain >40* entrained H24 resulting in D2

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

CLR to BKN. very calm am, NW winds picked up from NW after 1500 but little deposition noted.
H24 - 20-25 . PS- 15-20.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
mulitple (>5) S-SE- E aspects
8500-9500
WL 20-30 N-Natural
u-Unintentional
pictured: D2 of WL, then entrained H24 on E aspect
1
1
N 9500
D2 WS I-New/Old Interface 20 AS-Skier
c-Intentional
triggered on belay on obviously windloaded slope at convexity. 40* None