Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
February 7, 2020Submitted:
February 7, 2020Observer:
SAC - SavageZone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern MtnsLocation:
driving south from Banner Summit area to Ketchum - observations include southern Sawtooths, southwestern White Clouds, northern Smokys, BouldersSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None Experienced
Driving obs only - no chance to experience cracking or collapsing. Field obs from Banner Summit area are in separate observation.
Bottom Line
Fleeting visibility in Salmon River Basin, better vis from Smiley Creek to Owl Creek, approaching dusk by Baker Creek. I listed the observed avalanches that I was fairly confident I was able to see, given the marginal visibility. I did not see any large slides.
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly CloudyTemperature:
28-35F from 4:30-5:45 PMWind:
Light , NWEvidence of previous wind at the pass, but not much true wind loading roadside. Rollerballs and tiny wet dribbles from today on Stanley side of Galena Summit on very steep west aspects.
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Comments | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| several | Today |
ridgeline above S Fork Vat Ck, SE of McDonald Peak - southern Sawtooths N 9000' |
D1.5 | U-Unknown | Appeared to be several smallish slides that released from near or at the ridgeline, most likely cornice fall triggering wind slabs or wind slabs failing near ridgeline. | None | |||
| 1 | Past 24 hours |
Horton Peak SW 8800' |
D1.5 | U-Unknown | I saw disturbed snow in the track of one of the steeper paths. I couldn't see a crown or debris. | None | |||
| 1 | Past 24 hours |
roadside on HWY 75 across from Hulen Meadows, south of Lake Ck W 6200 |
D1 | WL | O-Old Snow | U-Unknown | Small wet loose slide that came down to the road. Unsure if it happened today or yesterday, but it looked fresh? | None |