Professional Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
February 19, 2020Submitted:
February 19, 2020Observer:
SAC - Martin StefanZone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern MtnsLocation:
Konrad/Goat divideSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
GoodConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
SteadyAdvanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
ClearWind:
CalmSome light gusts of a light E wind, but mostly calm. Despite plenty of radiation the snow stayed cool even on solars at higher elevations.
Snowpack Observations
On solars in the foothills there is a stout MFcr from wind and sun by now, it would probably have skied pretty well in the afternoon with some softening in the sun. I made sure to be on breakable crust with bottomless facets on sheltered shaded slopes on my exit, so cannot confirm.
Up higher on wind sheltered slopes the whole snowpack is faceting, but the slab 15cm down is still supportive for skis. Wherever the wind has been hammering it is predictably hammered.
9200' SE HS = 120cm
3x 5cm F FCsf -2cm K MFcr sandwitch in top of spx
90-60cm 1F RG
60-20cm FCxr 4F-, potentially the most concerning layer, but it did now produce any results
20-gnd DH 1F moist, looks like it is gaining strength and getting compressed enough that undergrowth and stumps are breaking up what weak layers it might have.
Wind drifts not sensitive to cornice drops or stomping.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
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Wind Slab
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Comments: There were obvious drifts on the E 1/2, but although in some areas it was sitting on a thin layer of FCsf it was not reactive to cornices or stomping |
Terrain Use
I skied non wind loaded terrain to mid 30s with no concerns.