Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
December 22, 2021Submitted:
December 22, 2021Observer:
SAC - DavisZone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley MtnsLocation:
Fox PeakSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
FairConfidence in Rating:
HighStability Trend:
SteadyBottom Line
Recent avalanches in the Smokys and Southern Sawtooths with a moderate load and wind don't bode well as we head into a multi-day storm. The known weak layer of facets + crusts near the ground will be a repeat offender. Storm totals and precip intensity seem likely to produce avalanche problems on many aspects at some point during the storm.
Media/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
OvercastTemperature:
20s FWind:
Moderate , WNew/Recent Snowfall:
HST = 15cmSteady snowfall in Ketchum beginning around 7 AM. Snow rates increased to S2 before noon totalling 15 cm (6 in). After noon periods of sun and S-1 amounted to another 1/2" or so. Mostly calm to light wind, with periods of moderate wind at 9,000'. Mild (wet pavement) at Baker Creek parking lot in the afternoon.
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Comments | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Above Alden Gulch E 8,200 |
D1.5 | SS | N-Natural | Wind loaded sub-ridge. Looked relatively fresh but I had poor light. | None |
Snowpack Observations
I found the (12/11) weak layer on all aspects at 9,000'. There were 2 crusts on a S-facing slope at 7,300' (12/19) and (12/22) but neither seemed particularly alarming where I looked.
Fox Peak, NE, 9,000', HS 100-130 cm:
130-115, F, new snow
115-45, 1F->1F+ at the base. Last weeks storm.
45-0, October-early December snow. Mix of facets and crusts.
CPST 35/100 END, ECTP25 in old snow beneath the uppermost crust.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 50-85 cm Weak Layer(s): Dec 11, 2021 (FC) Comments: I found old snow and felt a collapse on a SE-facing slope at 9,000'. |
Terrain Use
I planned to avoid avalanche terrain and stuck to that plan.