Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 6, 2020
Submitted:
March 7, 2020
Observer:
SAC - VandenBos (off duty), Peterson
Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky Mtns
Location:
Southern Sawtooths

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Recent avalanche activity limited to wet loose. Described below.

Bottom Line

Weak freeze overnight and direct solar radiation allowed southerly slopes to heat up quickly. Small (D1-1.5) wet loose slides occurring naturally by 1030. At lower and middle elevations, the snowpack was wetted through several crusts in the upper snowpack and all the way down to the ground where HS <60cm. Upper elevation slopes with wind were staying frozen, but more sheltered slopes were melting at the surface.

Advanced Information