Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
April 1, 2021Submitted:
April 1, 2021Observer:
SAC - Ethan DavisZone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern MtnsLocation:
Mushroom Ridge (W-S-E, 7,800-9,600')Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
GoodConfidence in Rating:
HighStability Trend:
WorseningBottom Line
I observed some small, fresh, wet loose avalanches in the Smokys, Boulders, and Southern Sawtooths. Today didn't tip the scales toward natural wet activity thanks to a healthy freeze and moderate wind but I imagine we'll be headed that way tomorrow afternoon or Saturday.
Media/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
ClearTemperature:
45-48 FWind:
Moderate , SWWarm and sunny. Moderate SE wind kept wind-exposed middle and upper elevations feeling relatively cool.
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Comments | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
S. of Vienna Pk E 9800 |
D1.5 | U | N-Natural | Hard to put a date on these slides but I haven't seen them reported despite being visible from the Pass. |
|
Snowpack Observations
About 10-15 cm of recent snow sits above a stout crust. The crust was strong (boot supportable) in all but some sheltered, sunny, steep elevation terrain that I traveled through.
I was able to "push" some wet snow with my turns in steep, sheltered, south-facing terrain at about 3 PM, but it never picked up speed or traveled far.
The effect of the wind was drastic, keeping sunny, wind-exposed areas in the "good corn" camp well into the afternoon.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wet Loose
|
|
Comments: Some fresh WL activity. Probably present only in wind-sheltered areas. Rose shaded where expected. |
Terrain Use
I planned to avoid avalanche terrain where I found deeper/punchy wet snow.