Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 19, 2020
Submitted:
February 19, 2020
Observer:
SAC - Martin Stefan
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Konrad/Goat divide

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Wind:
Calm

Some 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
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
Wind Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
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.