Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 19, 2022
Submitted:
February 19, 2022
Observer:
SAC - Lundy, Savage, Carus
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Titus Ridge/Weather Station Peak (7400-10000', 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: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

We found generally stable conditions. Winds were blowing more strongly than forecast, but only moving small amounts of snow and we did not observe any fresh wind slab formation. It did not get warm enough to create wet loose problems.

Media/Attachments

Moderate to strong W winds were moving small amounts of snow on Titus Ridge.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Partly Cloudy
Wind:
Moderate , W

Winds were blowing mod gusting to strong - stronger than I was expecting. Temps were warm in the sun but the wind kept things cool in many places.

Snowpack Observations

Snowpack surfaces are highly weathered by the sun, wind, and warm temps. Shady/sheltered mid elevations have the most widespread weak surfaces. Upper elevations and alpine are a variable patchwork of textured wind effect and some weaker snow. There are probably more strong surfaces at upper elevations than weak surfaces.

In the early afternoon, SE was just barely ski supportable with a 5cm crust beneath 3cm of moist newer snow from 2/14.

While there were small amounts of snow (facets) being blown by the wind, we did not find any new wind slabs of note.

Avalanche Problems

No problems observed.

Terrain Use

We had an open season mindset and used normal caution while skiing in avalanche terrain.