Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Date:

December 17, 2020

Submitted:

December 17, 2020

Observer:

Pro

Zone or Region:

Mores Creek

Location:

Pilot Peak (NW-NE, 5,500' to 7,500')

Recent Avalanches?

Yes

Cracking?

Isolated

Collapsing?

Isolated

Noted D1 soft slab avalanches on NW aspects on road cuts and steeper treed terrain, instability isolated to new/old interface (top 20 cm). Upper elevation wind loaded terrain was sensitive with slabs up to 50 cm, and collapses were frequent along entire approach from Mores Creek Summit. Time will help the new snow instabilities-- though sunshine tomorrow may add loose avalanche hazards. This area will become more unstable with further snow on the forecast.

Stability Rating:

Fair

Confidence in Rating:

Moderate

Stability Trend:

Worsening

The Mores Creek area has better structure deeper in the snowpack on aspects I observed, but the dry spell spanning late Nov-Dec has still done some work. Well-developed facets and poor structure exists in the upper half of the pack, notably ~ 62 cm (HS 91). Recent natural activity was isolated either within a density change in the new snow or on a NSF layer in the old/new interface, dependent on aspect (all naturals noted were NW). All in all, a larger load on the way in the coming forecast and significant slab setup may tickle lower facet layers. In the meantime, steeper terrain and upper elevations receiving wind transport of new snow should be regarded warily and assessed very carefully.