Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 11, 2021
Submitted:
December 11, 2021
Observer:
SAC - VandenBos
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Titus Ridge (8,700-10,000')

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Isolated cracking in fresh wind drifts, extending no more than 3m in front of my skis.

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

The storm has started and the likelihood of encountering avalanches will increase through the foreseeable future. Its a good time to take a big step back and watch the show.

Media/Attachments

Cracking in fresh winds at ~10,000' on Titus Ridge. On Saturday afternoon, drifts were small and isolated to ridgelines. As the storm progresses these drifts will become thicker, larger, and more sensitive.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CXXegWQFoxA

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured
Wind:
Light , SW
New/Recent Snowfall:
15-20cm

Light winds gusting moderate out of the SW. S1 snowfall throughout the duration of this short afternoon tour.

Snowpack Observations

I focused my attention on the new snow and did not do any digging into older snow. 15-20 cm of new snow at the end of the day. This snow that fell was light and had no particularly obvious density changes (yet). The wind had formed some very soft drifts along ridgelines that were stubborn to unreactive. I did get a few drifts to crack (see attached photo) but I had to find the thickest, most wind loaded locations to accomplish this. As these drifts grow with continued snow and wind they will become larger and more sensitive. Gradually warming temperatures are likely to exacerbate this problem. The combination of more new snow, wind, and warming temperatures may also start to light up our budding persistent problem on shaded slopes. It feels like it is more of a matter of when, not if.

Avalanche Problems

Did not encounter a wind slab problem today. Dry loose would have been a problem on slopes steeper than about 40 degrees.

Terrain Use

Preparing to take a large step back. Today was likely the last day where you could walk through the mountains with some degree of impunity. Tomorrow (and the foreseeable future) will be different.