Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 4, 2022
Submitted:
February 4, 2022
Observer:
Chris Lundy
Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky Mtns
Location:
Iron Cr/Goat Cr divide (6500-9100', NE-E-SE)

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

Bottom Line

Gusty W-SW winds were moving small amounts of snow, but I did not observe any new sensitive wind slabs. I'd imagine they exist, but are small and isolated. Wind slabs from earlier this week did not seem reactive. Loose snow avalanches continue to be a minor (and manageable) concern on very steep slopes.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Wind:
Moderate , SW

Clouds increased through the day, becoming full OVC by mid-afternoon. Winds at ridge level were gusty, but seemed to be averaging in the moderate range from the W to SW.

Snowpack Observations

No new information of note. The old surfaces beneath the 7-10cm of recent snow are faceted - maybe not as bad as what I saw yesterday in the GS & E Mtns zone - but plenty weak. Aspects S of E are a mix of facets and crusts.

Terrain Use

I didn't have any terrain closed in my AM trip plan.