Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 24, 2021
Submitted:
March 24, 2021
Observer:
SAC - Davis, VandenBos
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Baker Creek (W-N-E, 7,200-9,200')

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Isolated short cracks in recent wind deposits near exposed middle elevation ridgeline.

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

I'd expect we'll see a touchy interface where crust + facet combinations exist beneath tonight/tomorrow's storm snow. This new snow should quickly turn to a wet loose problem on Friday afternoon or Saturday, running on these same crusts.

Media/Attachments

https://www.instagram.com/p/CM0OVNOFI_X/

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Wind:
Calm
New/Recent Snowfall:
10 cm since 3/19

Thin clouds allowed in a bit of warmth from the sun, particularly around 2 PM. Generally overcast skies. The cloud deck dipped to ~9000' at times. No precipitation where we were. Wind was generally calm.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
1 Norton Ck
S 8500 		D1.5 WL N-Natural None

Snowpack Observations

Middle Elevation NW-N-NE:
Overall snow depths were ~120-140 cm. 2-10 cm of recent snow sat on a crust at all elevations and aspects. Recent snow was noticeably faceted on steep shadier slopes. This could provide some touchy surfaces with new snow and wind. Crusts were thinner up high, but dry and generally supportable to skis. At around 7500' and below the crusts were thicker but also softer/edgeable on descent.

On a 8,500' NW-facing slope, both (12/11) and what appeared to be (1/27) were dry and unaffected by melt-water.

Avalanche Problems

No avalanche problems were observed. Clouds inhibited wet avalanche issues. Wind drifted snow was isolated/thin. Dry loose may have been an issue on more consistently steep shaded slopes.

Terrain Use

We avoided a thin, rocky, steep start zone in the alpine. Beyond that we felt comfortable in steep terrain.