Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 10, 2021
Submitted:
December 10, 2021
Observer:
SAC - VandenBos, Jorgenson
Zone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley Mtns
Location:
Warm Springs Creek Drainage (5,800-9,000')

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

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

Media/Attachments

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CXUpY6lFJ0e

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Temperature:
upper teens F (estimated)
Wind:
Moderate , NW

Feeling like winter up high, cold and windy with a good dose of sun. There were clouds hanging over many of the larger mountains in the area which may have been accompanied by some very light precip. No precipitation on baldy.

Snowpack Observations

Outside of the ski area boundary, a thin and faceted snowpack exists on all shaded slopes that I looked at. HS=25-35cm, the upper 10 -15cm are F to F- facets sitting on a degrading crust (1F-) Beneath this crust are slightly stronger facets (4F) sitting on a 3-5cm thick crust on the ground. As the storm progresses and the slab thickens it would not be entirely surprising to see avalanches starting in the upper facets and gouging down to near the ground, removing most of the season's snow cover. In any event, the upper facets do not look good and are entirely capable of producing avalanches. I expect stability to decrease rapidly as the storm progresses, particularly on slopes on the shaded half of the compass.

Terrain Use

Terrain selection was constrained by lack of snow, not by avalanche hazard. This will change rapidly in coming days.