Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
April 4, 2021
Submitted:
April 4, 2021
Observer:
SAC - VandenBos
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Durance (6,300-9,600, S-SE-E)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Avalanches observed refers to small wet loose debris piles described below.

Media/Attachments

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Wind:
Light , SW

Bands of high clouds at sunrise, clearing by mid-morning. Light to moderate winds blowing out of the W-SW.

Avalanche Observations

Only observed avalanches were D1 wet loose debris in alpine terrain above North Fork in the Boulders and across the highway in the Smokys. Really hard to say how recent these slides were. All were relatively small and involved only the upper portion of the snow.

Snowpack Observations

Primary goal was to get up high and look for recent avalanche activity. Only observed avalanches were D1 wet loose debris in alpine terrain above north fork in the Boulders. Really hard to say how recent these slides were. Snow surface started the day similar to yesterday. 5-10cm crust was generally boot supportable, I walked across the meadow below Durance in my tennis shoes. Boot penetration was to near ground when I did break through. Around trees, crust was much less rigid. Thin clouds and winds slowed the softening of the crust a bit, I skied silky, consistent corn on E-SE shortly before 1000. Crust on flats remained intact on the skate back to my car.

Avalanche Problems

No avalanche problems encountered, though wet problems likely weren't far off.

Terrain Use

I avoided entering large, open terrain in starting zones. I minimized time spent in run outs of large paths.