Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 20, 2020
Submitted:
February 20, 2020
Observer:
Lundy, Stefan (off duty)
Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky Mtns
Location:
McDonald Peak area

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Improving

Bottom Line

The snowpack seems generally stable. While we did not get into the full alpine, we did not encounter any wind slabs of concern. The snow surface is becoming quite faceted on all slopes that are sheltered from recent wind events, at all elevations. Facets sluffs are beginning to become a possibility on very steep, sheltered, shady slopes. We did not travel on any steep solar slopes, but it seemed that high thin clouds and a light wind kept wet loose issues at bay.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Partly Cloudy
Wind:
Light , NW

High, thin clouds combined with a light wind kept temps cooler than expected.

Snowpack Observations

No formal obs. The snow from last weekend is becoming quite faceted on all aspects. On solar aspects, these near-surface facets are in combination with a crust. Despite the temp inversions, the faceting seems prevalent on all aspects and elevations except those that have been wind hammered. On some upper elevation slopes, 10-15cm of newly forming facets sit atop hard surfaces from the old NE wind event.

All this is well and good, but it looks like this weekend's system won't provide a significant load and then we're back to high and dry.

Avalanche Problems

No avalanche problems observed.

Terrain Use

We skied terrain up to 40 degrees.