Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
March 1, 2020Submitted:
March 1, 2020Observer:
SAC - Martin StefanZone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky MtnsLocation:
Marshall basinSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
Very GoodConfidence in Rating:
HighStability Trend:
SteadyAdvanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Partly CloudyWind:
CalmScattered clouds clearing from the north, with cloud cover persisting longer over the pass and the White Clouds. Cool temps, surface heating on solars except on low elevation
Snowpack Observations
HST 1-3cm
Solars had supportable crust under hst, less supportable on margins.
Found FCsf + subtle MFcr 20cm down under 4F slab on E facing terrain at mid elevations around 8500', clean hand shears but no results on ECTs and PST cut lengths in the 80s to 90s. Might become an issue with more load if it does not rot away.
Did not see any significant wind slabs, as expected given the low accumulation.
Terrain Use
Terrain selection was more limited by objectives and time than avalanche concerns.
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