Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 25, 2021
Submitted:
March 25, 2021
Observer:
SAC - Ethan Davis
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Silver Pk Shoulder (W-S-E, 7,000-10,000')

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Isolated cracking in recent wind slab (Tuesday's wind?) and minor cracking at the new/old interface.

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

The wind was not moving snow in my location but did noticeably increase as I left the field. I'd expect to find small touchy wind slabs anywhere the wind is at work. There will be ample cold, dry snow for sun-induced loose wet avalanches tomorrow.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Wind:
Light
New/Recent Snowfall:
HST 3-4"

Light (S1) snowfall and calm to light wind in the morning hours. Snowfall (graupel) increased to S2/3 and wind picked up to moderate from the E at around 1 PM. Wind was audible from middle elevations on my way out around 1:30 PM. Sounds like there was a mix of rain/snow/graupel near Hailey.

Snowpack Observations

Snow depths were highly variable (bare to ~120 cm) in this heavily wind-affected area. About 7-10 cm of new snow did not appear to want to readily bond to the old snow surface but wind press (no real wind slabs) were all I had to test this observation.

Snow from earlier in the week was found in small isolated drifts >9,000' that sat above the hard crust. This crust was on all aspects that I traveled except for steep NW.

Avalanche Problems

No defined avalanche problems. Wind slabs from earlier in the week were isolated and small. New snow had the ingredients for a touchy wind slab problem (minus consistent wind..) but it wasn't there when I left the field.

Dry loose "sluffs" would have been something that needed managing, particularly in larger/steep/confined terrain.

Terrain Use

I avoided obvious thin, rocky, heinous-looking start zones but skied steep tracks and runouts.