Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
February 23, 2020Submitted:
February 24, 2020Observer:
SAC - VandenBos (off duty)Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky MtnsLocation:
Fishhook DrainageSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
GoodConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
WorseningBottom Line
Increasing wind speeds in morning were transporting snow/facets left over from last weekend's storm. Slabs were very thin and isolated.
Media
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud cover and wind speeds increased in the morning, with overcast skies by 10 AM and moderate westerly winds with periodic strong gusts. Sputtery bouts of precip (rimed stellars and graupel) observed in late morning and early afternoon, with <1cm accumulation by 3 PM. Period of partly cloudy skies between 3 and 430, before another band of moisture moved in, bringing flurries of precip, with rates up to S2. 2cm of accumulation by nightfall.
Avalanche Observations
Aside from frequent spindrifting in steep terrain, no new avalanche activity observed. Observed debris from quite a few wet loose/solar-initiated dry loose slides, none greater than D1.5
Snowpack Observations
Direct observations limited to upper snowpack. S-SW quarter of the compass had 2cm thick, ski-supportable crust with a fine band of facets on top on slopes greater than about 30 degrees. Solar margins (SE and W) had a thinner crust, with a layer of facets up to 1cm thick. On shaded aspects, snow from last weekend's storm was faceted down to firmer surfaces underneath. Solar margins and shaded aspects that were firm during the cold weather this past week are likely to be the sweet spots for activity, but given a rapid enough load, icy crusts on direct solars might be touchy in the short term.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Slab
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