Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
February 5, 2021Submitted:
February 5, 2021Observer:
Lundy, Savage, M. WheelerZone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern MtnsLocation:
Pole Creek (7400-8600')Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedBottom 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
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
OvercastTemperature:
low 20s F (estimated)Wind:
Strong , NWNew/Recent Snowfall:
10-12cm of low density new snow since yesterday afternoonWind 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
|
|
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