Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 4, 2021
Submitted:
February 4, 2021
Observer:
SAC - Ethan Davis
Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky Mtns
Location:
McDonald Peak (N-E-S, 7,000-9,200')

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Very isolated cracking in freshly formed, soft wind drifts on an exposed ridgeline.

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

I was surprised not to see recent avalanche activity given the recent snow and wind in the Sawtooths. The December facets are still there and still weak but are showing some signs of strengthening under a meter of snow. The (1/27) layer wasn't as pronounced here and the small facets were starting to bond to the overlying storm snow.

Media/Attachments

Moderate wind-loading from north wind midday. Seemed confined to >9,000'. There's still a good amount of snow left to move if the wind really cranks up.
Near surface facets at (1/27) down ~45 cm. I did not find any surface hoar in the E and NE aspects where I looked.
Another natural avalanche in Eagle Creek.
Pit profile on a 8,300' NE-facing slope on McDonald Peak.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CK5JE7zIheA/

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Cloudy
Wind:
Moderate , N
New/Recent Snowfall:
HST = 15-20 cm

Mostly sunny skies in the morning, increasing clouds midday. Wind picked up to blow moderate with strong gusts, but seemed most consistent >9,000'.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
1 Feb 3, 2021
(+/- 1 day)
Eagle Creek
S 9600ft
D2 N-Natural
Another natural avalanche in Eagle Creek.
Report
Eagle Creek

I was surprised to see a lack of avalanche activity given Tuesday's storm and wind. The only recent notable slide I noticed was in the headwaters of Eagle Ck near the one reported yesterday by Scott.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Persistent Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
Layer Depth/Date: ~45 cm
Weak Layer(s): Jan 27, 2021 (FCsf)
Comments: Shaded where observed. This layer appeared in snowpack tests but certainly didn't jump out as an obvious problem in this location.
Persistent Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
Layer Depth/Date: 100 cm+
Weak Layer(s): Dec 11, 2020 (FCsf)
Comments: Borderline DPS. Unlikely to trigger in uniformly deep areas. Shaded where observed.

Terrain Use

I avoided avalanche terrain.