Professional Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
February 20, 2020Submitted:
February 20, 2020Observer:
SAC - Lundy, Stefan (off duty)Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky MtnsLocation:
McDonald Peak areaSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
GoodConfidence in Rating:
HighStability Trend:
ImprovingBottom 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 CloudyWind:
Light , NWHigh, 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.