Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 11, 2021
Submitted:
February 11, 2021
Observer:
SAC - Ethan Davis
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Baker Lake (N-E-S, 7,500-9,000')

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
No signs of unstable snow.

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

New snow and wind will bump wind slabs to the primary avalanche problem near the headwaters of Baker Creek tomorrow if snow + wind continue.

December facets are still down there, and still weak but buried under a hefty 100+ cm thick slab. I couldn't get results on the Jan 27 facets/surface hoar aside from blocks breaking when they were pulled into the pit.

Media/Attachments

Snow pit on a NE-facing slope at about 8,900' near Baker Lake.
Snow pit on a SE-facing slope at about 8,600' near Baker Lake.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLK4lAIFf2I/

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Cloudy
Wind:
Moderate , NW
New/Recent Snowfall:
About an inch of new snow near Baker Lake by 2:00 PM, tapering quickly toward the parking lot.

It was simultaneously sunny and snowing for a good portion of the day. Snowfall was more intense near the lake, diminishing quickly away from the Smoky crest.

Snowpack Observations

I set out to continue gathering data on (1/27). It was visible but didn't produce any results in snowpack tests aside from breaking when pried into the pit. (12/11) produced repeated CPSTs to end.

8,600', SE, HS = 130 cm:

130-114 F to 4F // Recent snow
114-113 1F, MFcr
113-95 4F
95-80 1F-
80-78 P // Jan. 27 crust + facets
78-32 1F- to 1F
32-0 4F to F to 4F // Dec. 11 depth hoar


8,900', NE, HS = 160 cm:

160-145 F // New and recent snow
145-110 4F to 1F // Jan. 27 @ 110 cm
110-68 1F
68-50 1F
50-35 F // Dec. 11 depth hoar
35-0 4F+ // Dirt layer and welded, squished old facets.

Snow pit on a SE-facing slope at about 8,600' near Baker Lake.
Snow pit on a NE-facing slope at about 8,900' near Baker Lake.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Deep 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: 100 cm +
Weak Layer(s): Dec 11, 2020 (FCsf)
Comments: Shaded where observed.

Terrain Use

I avoided avalanche terrain.