Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 20, 2021
Submitted:
March 20, 2021
Observer:
SAC - VandenBos (off duty)
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Mushroom Ridge (7,600-9,500', primarily SW-S-SE)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Partly cloudy in Hailey, cloud cover increased as I drove north. Mostly cloudy during tour, with periods of direct solar. Convective storm storm moved into general pass area around 1500, bringing S-1 graupel and uptick in wind speeds. Snowfall intensified as I drove north, snowing S1 to S2 by the time I got to Stanley. S1 squalls and periods of gusty winds at low elevations continued throughout the afternoon, with skies partially clearing around sunset. Fingers crossed for clearing overnight and a hard freeze.

Avalanche Observations

No recent activity observed, but I didn't spend a lot of time glassing.

Snowpack Observations

Quick rest day bop. Obs from 1400-1500:

New snow was melting/schmoozing/bonding into the old surface. Hard to get a great feel for HN, felt like 2-3cm of wet snow below 2-3cm of dry snow at highway level. More like 5cm wet on 5cm dry at 9,500'. Intermittent periods of sun were melting snow on solar aspects. Solar crusts were still present, but had softened a bit from nearby obs the previous day. Crusts were ski supportable but not terribly difficult to jab your pole through, revealing quite a bit of wet, unfrozen snow below.

Avalanche Problems

I did not encounter any avalanche problems. Could imagine pushing a loose wet goober on very steep solars. Did not encounter wind slabs.