Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 7, 2020
Submitted:
February 7, 2020
Observer:
SAC - Savage
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
driving south from Banner Summit area to Ketchum - observations include southern Sawtooths, southwestern White Clouds, northern Smokys, Boulders

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
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 Cloudy
Temperature:
28-35F from 4:30-5:45 PM
Wind:
Light , NW

Evidence 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 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 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 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