Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 5, 2021
Submitted:
February 5, 2021
Observer:
Lundy, Savage, M. Wheeler
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Pole Creek (7400-8600')

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
We saw debris from one fresh slide in one of the runout zones above the Pole Creek road.

Bottom Line

Persistent weak layers buried 1.5' deep and 3+' deep are still a concern. Strong NW winds were moving snow at many elevations but especially up high.

Media/Attachments

On Friday, strong NW winds were moving copious amounts of snow at upper elevations.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CK7lycfISE2/

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Temperature:
low 20s F (estimated)
Wind:
Strong , NW
New/Recent Snowfall:
10-12cm of low density new snow since yesterday afternoon

Wind direction/speed above was based on watching snow move at ridge level. S-1 most of the time we were out, with a few periods of S1 before noon.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
1 Slide path above Pole Creek Rd
SE
D1.5 N-Natural We couldn't see the start zone but saw a moderately-sized debris pile in the runout. None

Visibility was generally poor

Snowpack Observations

Low elevations to the low/mid-transition: Easy to punch sled track through slab into 12/11 facets below. Depth to 12/11 was around 60-80cm.

Mid elevations were more supportable riding and it was harder to punch track into deeper facets.

8600', W: HS 150cm. ~12cm HN24. 1/27 was 45cm down and presented as thin layer of FCsf with small shards of SH. Pit wall presented a fairly distinct stripe. ECTP21. 12/11 was 105cm down and was 4F FC. ECTX. 12/11 layer strengthening slightly but still presenting poor structure.

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: 45cm, 80-105cm
Weak Layer(s): Jan 27, 2021 (FCsf) Dec 11, 2020 (FCsf)
Comments: Rose painted according to observed terrain. ECTP on 1/27. 12/11 could be considered a deep slab, especially at mid-elevations and above.

Terrain Use

We avoided avalanche terrain