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Professional Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
November 20, 2020
Submitted:
November 20, 2020
Observer:
SAC - Chris Lundy (off duty)
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Camp Creek to Avalanche Peak

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Improving

Bottom Line

This was a short recreational tour. Warming prior to 11/17 storm consolidated the lower snowpack, and conditions were dramatically different than the bottomless conditions on 11/15. The mid-elevation snowpack is largely right side up, but the surface will likely facet in the coming days.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Wind:
Light , SE

Tour was from 1300-1600. Skies were clear, sun was warm but temps remained cold in the shade. The 11/17 settled storm total in this area was 30cm.

Snowpack Observations

HS on mid-elevation solars was 50cm. 11/17 crust 25-30cm down was fairly supportable and kept you off the ground despite the shallow depth. Low angle solars (~25*) took heat and the snow was becoming moist.

Pit @9370', N, backside of Avy Peak: HS=70cm, 11/17 HST=30cm, all F hard. 35cm of snow from early Nov below the 11/17 I.F. was 4F+ going to 1F - surprisingly consolidated. No crust present at the 11/17. The stripe in the pit photo may be a dust layer. 5cm layer of small FC at the ground (Oct snow). See photo.

Avalanche Problems

No problems observed.

Terrain Use

Still in early season assessment mode, traveled conservatively.

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