Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 14, 2022
Submitted:
January 14, 2022
Observer:
Lundy, Guess
Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky Mtns
Location:
Head of Alturas Lake Cr (Most obs from 7700-9900', N-W-S)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Observed some very small wet loose avalanches that likely released yesterday - see photo in the gallery.

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Improving

Bottom Line

A week without loading from snowfall or wind has allowed the snowpack to stabilize. The 12/11 layer is deeply buried (>6') in this area.

Media/Attachments

Cracks in sheltered terrain. 8000, NW.
Cracks are visible running across this slope. 9000', E.
Small, wet loose avalanches in the northern Sawtooths that likely occurred Jan 12th or 13th.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Wind:
Light

Inverted temps with single digits at the car this morning. Temps up high felt warm, but cooler than in days past.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
1 Jan 6, 2022
(+/- 3 days) 		Johnson Creek
NE 9200ft 		D2 N-Natural
Report
1 Jan 6, 2022
(+/- 1 day) 		North Fork Ross Fork
E 9200ft 		D2 N-Natural
This natural avalanche behind the head of Alturas Lake Cr released near the end of the last storm. It likely failed on a weak layer that was the snow surface prior to the storm. 9200', ESE.
Report
Johnson Creek
North Fork Ross Fork

Observed a few small wet loose slides and rollerballs in steep, rocky terrain at all elevations. Activity was really pretty minimal though. The observed slides seem to fit patterns we've seen in other portions of this zone.

Snowpack Observations

HS on shady aspects was 200-230cm at middle and upper elevations. 12/11 seemed to be down around 180cm. Surfaces are obviously getting worked and faceted, and SH was fairly widespread.

The surface was oddly stiff, even in sheltered trees, likely from the warm temps.

@8800', S, 32*: somewhat of a wind-affected windward slope. HS 150cm. ECTX in upper 1m. ECT block tipped into pit without cracking.

Saw some old cracks on both middle elevation, sheltered slopes, and in more upper elevation, open terrain (see photos). It looks like the snowpack cracked during the storm but did not slide. The cracks look significant enough that I suspect 12/11 was the culprit, but it's difficult to say with any certainty.

Terrain Use

We closed very steep, rocky terrain in the morning plan. Our actual travel stuck to terrain under 35*.