Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 28, 2021
Submitted:
January 28, 2021
Observer:
SAC - Chris Lundy
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Titus Ridge, driving Stanley to Ketchum (8700-9900, SE-E-NE-NW)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
Isolated
Two remotely triggered avalanches (see below), two slopes collapsed and cracked but didn’t slide

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Poor
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Worsening

Bottom Line

20” of new snow (and still falling) and strong winds are overloading a weak snowpack.

Media/Attachments

Avalanche above Titus Lake that was likely remotely-triggered from the ridge above.
Stomping around above this slope on Titus Ridge caused the slope to crack and shift, and a section on the right where it was steeper and more wind loaded avalanched.
Cracking in the cornice above the section that avalanched.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured
Temperature:
High teens (est)
Wind:
Moderate , SE
New/Recent Snowfall:
50cm+ on old hard surfaces as of 1400. HN is still low density in the few places where it's not wind-affected.

Snowing and blowing. Snowfall increased significantly as I approached Smiley Cr this morning and especially as I went up the pass. S1-2 while I was in the field or driving, from 1000-1500. Winds were MOD gusting STRONG. The snowfall and wind had tapered off significantly on my return trip over the pass at 1800.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
1 Jan 28, 2021
(Exact)
Titus Lake Chutes
NE 9900ft
D2 AS-Skier
r-Remote
Avalanche above Titus Lake that was likely remotely-triggered from the ridge above.
Report
Titus Lake Chutes

There were several thin/small storm slabs on Titus Ridge and on steep slopes above the highway.

Stomping around on the steep slopes off the First Bump that drain back towards the hairpin, a slope collapsed and cracked and small section where it was steeper and more wind-loaded avalanched. The cracking was down to the facets, but I'm unsure about the section that released (D1-1.5). See photo.

I'm nearly positive I remoted a D2 in the Lake Chutes just below the Peak above Titus Lake. I'm fairly certain it wasn't there on the hike up. It looks to have released on 12/11, but didn't break as wide as it seems like it could have. See photo. I'll add these slides to the Avy DB tomorrow.

Surprisingly, I didn't see any naturals on the steep slopes above the highway or nordic trail near Owl/Prairie creek, north of Baker Creek, etc.

Snowpack Observations

SE Wind has scoured most of the Titus Ridge start zones unless they’re due N. Significant drifting along the ridge to 1m+ in depth. There seemed to be a minor mid-storm interface in the top 30cm but this is likely to settle out quickly. I stomped around above steeper terrain in Timber Bowl with no results.

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: 90cm
Weak Layer(s): Dec 11, 2020 (FCsf)
Comments: Rose indicates observed terrain.
Wind Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
Layer Depth/Date: 60-100cm
Comments: Rose may be exaggerated, but I saw wind drifts at all elevations on the drive.

Terrain Use

I stayed on the ridge and avoided all avalanche terrain.