Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
April 1, 2021
Submitted:
April 1, 2021
Observer:
SAC - Ethan Davis
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Mushroom Ridge (W-S-E, 7,800-9,600')

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

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

Bottom 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

Wet surface snow sliding on the ice crust buried about 8 inches deep near Galena Summit.
Slab and loose snow avalanches on an E and ENE facing slope at about 9,800' near Vienna Pk in the Southern Sawtooths.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CNJLxpjokAg/?hl=en

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
45-48 F
Wind:
Moderate , SW

Warm 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.
Slab and loose snow avalanches on an E and ENE facing slope at about 9,800' near Vienna Pk in the Southern Sawtooths.

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
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
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.