Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 9, 2022
Submitted:
February 10, 2022
Observer:
SAC - VandenBos (off duty)
Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky Mtns
Location:
Meadow, Marshall (6,400-10,000', most aspects)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Very Good
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 

Bottom Line

A transitional day for the snowpack. The start of what looks to be a string of warm days and nights through the weekend.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Wind:
Moderate , N
New/Recent Snowfall:
trace

Erratic, gusty winds interspersed with calm periods. Temperatures started out warm (near freezing) and got warmer as the day progressed. Quite a few light snow flurries in the afternoon, with a trace of accumulation.

Avalanche Observations

No recent avalanche activity observed.

Snowpack Observations

The big feature of the day was the warm temperatures, a significant change from the past month. The day started around freezing and temps climbed above freezing by mid-morning. A thick layer of clouds prevented direct solar input, but was letting in plenty of ambient radiation. The combination of warm temps and significant ambient radiation bouncing around moistened/wetted snow surfaces up to at least 8,000', maybe closer to 8,500'. Natural roller balls were present here. This snow quickly transformed from great facet skiing to mashed potatoes, yuck. Wind slabs I encountered were unreactive, but they were starting to feel more ductile thanks to the warm temps. I exited the field around 5pm, surfaces were refreezing in open areas but still plenty warm and wet closer to trees. We lost a lot of good snow out there today.

Avalanche Problems

I did not directly encounter avalanche problems today, but loose wet may have been an issue on steep lower and middle elevation slopes.

Terrain Use

Moving into a period of warm temperatures has me thinking hard about how the snowpack will react to this change. Functionally, I spend just about every day in an assessment mindset. Today was assessment + status quo in the alpine where things stayed cooler, and assessment + stepping back down lower.