I observed natural avalanches on several of the low elevation N-facing slopes that I could get eyes on in the E. Fork of the Bigwood Drainage. Collapsing and cracking just beneath the new snow was widespread on a short walk at the mouth of Greenhorn. Storm slabs in non-wind affected terrain were 70 cm (28 in) thick.
Snowfall rates at or just below an inch an hour. Easterly outflow drainage winds were drifting snow at low elevations in E. Fork. Snow intensity diminished on the drive back to Hailey around 2 PM.
# | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Comments | Photo |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 |
E. Fork Big Wood N 6,000 |
D1.5 | SS | S-New Snow | N-Natural | Poor visibility. I couldn't see above 6,000'. |
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Greenhorn, 5,800', N:
130-60 F/F-, Storm snow
60-58 4F, (1/13) MFcr, fragile and heavily faceted. Responsible for cracking and collapsing.
58-35 F, facets
35-30 4F, (12/11) MFcr.
30-GR F-, depth hoar
Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Layer Depth/Date: 70 cm/ Jan. 26 Comments: Weak melt freeze crust with facets above and below. No surface hoar found. Rose is shaded where problem was observed. |
I avoided avalanche terrain.