Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
December 23, 2021Submitted:
December 23, 2021Observer:
SAC - Chris LundyZone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern MtnsLocation:
Avalanche Peak (8200-9400', most aspects)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
FairConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
SteadyBottom Line
About 10" of new snow is adding additional load to our buried weak layer, which is now more than 3' deep on mid and upper elevation shaded slopes. Today's storm snow was not quite enough to create instability at the new/old interface. I didn't travel through much terrain conducive to wind loading, but I suspect there were some sensitive wind drifts in the right terrain.
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
ObscuredWind:
Light , WNew/Recent Snowfall:
About 25cmS1-2 during my tour (1200-1530), with about 3cm of new snow during that time period. Winds at my high point were light gusting to moderate. There was not much wind at mid elevations.
Snowpack Observations
HS ranged from 60cm on mid elevation solars to 165cm on upper elevation shadies.
North side of avy peak, @9300', NNE, 27*: HS 165cm. 12/11 down 100-105cm, bottom 30cm of slab is 1F+, 12/11 is 4F-. ECTX (propagated with extra loading) and ECTP26. No obvious weak layers or interfaces in the top 60cm of the snowpack.
On mid elevation solars in the mid 20s to 30*: 25cm HN on the 12/21 crust. No obvious shears or instabilities.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 100cm Weak Layer(s): Dec 11, 2021 (FC) Comments: Rose shaded on forecasted location |
I suspect wind slabs were a problem in higher, more exposed terrain - but I didn't encounter them.
Terrain Use
I avoided avalanche terrain except for crossing a small, low-30 degree, south-facing slope with no October snow.