Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 9, 2021
Submitted:
January 9, 2021
Observer:
Lundy, Linnet
Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky Mtns
Location:
Bench Lakes (6500-8700', SE-E-NE-N)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
Isolated
Several along lower elevation approach ridge and at mid-elevations in shallow areas.

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Fair
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

Avalanche problem is trending towards a deep slab issue. The primarily red flag is very poor snowpack structure, with a very dense slab atop a weak layer that's showing little signs of improvement.

Media/Attachments

https://youtu.be/r-jzfTm_AvU

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
Cool
Wind:
Calm
New/Recent Snowfall:
2cm

Valley inversion gave way to clear skies. Temps remained cool, even in the sun.

Avalanche Observations

No avalanches observed from our tour, although with a bit of new snow and wind, things may be getting filled in.

Snowpack Observations

Slab depth 60-75cm at mid-elevations.

@8400', E, 29*: HS 140. 12/11 (F+) 75cm down, with the bottom half of the slab 1F. ECT didn't fail on 30 taps, but propagated and slid into the pit with a few extra hard hits. PST 38/100end.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Persistent Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
Layer Depth/Date: 60-75cm
Weak Layer(s): Dec 11, 2020 (FCsf)

Terrain Use

We stayed on small slopes no steeper than the low 30s.