Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
February 24, 2020Submitted:
February 25, 2020Observer:
SAC - VandenBosZone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky MtnsLocation:
Fishhook to ProfileSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
GoodConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
SteadyAdvanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
OvercastWind:
Moderate , NWClouds hung over the Sawtooths for much of the day, with frequent periods of S-1 precip. Total accumulation for the day estimated at 1cm. Variable, gusty winds blowing out of the W-NW. Very little direct solar radiation. Temperatures in the upper 20s F down low, estimated at upper teens F in upper elevations.
Avalanche Observations
Only recent avalanches observed were small, dry loose in steep, rocky terrain.
Snowpack Observations
HST 10-12 cm, sitting on a variety of surfaces. Crusts up to 3cm thick on direct solars in the 30s, crusts with a layer of facets up to ~0.5cm thick on slopes on solar margins, and a thick stack of facets on shaded slopes. Only cracking I experienced was very localized to steeper slopes where fresh slabs were resting on a facet+crust combo. Thickest fresh slabs were 20-25cm thick and up to 4F+ hard. Slabs were irregularly distributed, thanks to variable, gusty winds. It was tricky to distinguish most recent round of slabs from slabs left over from last weekend's storm.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: down 10-25cm |
Terrain Use
Terrain selection was limited by generally poor visibility. Would have been comfortable entering some steeper avalanche terrain with knowledge of locally existing snowpack and better visibility to look for signs of obvious recent wind loading.
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