Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 16, 2022
Submitted:
March 16, 2022
Observer:
SAC - Davis
Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky Mtns
Location:
Emma Ck, Smiley Ck Divide (All aspects, 7,500'-9,300')

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Cracking 20-40 cm deep in wind drifts that formed during/following Sunday's snowfall.

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

There was very little evidence of recent wind slab formation where I was or on the surrounding peaks. Sun made appearances long enough to moisten south-facing slopes but was not enough to trigger any loose snow avalanches.

Media/Attachments

Small cracks in older wind slab that likely formed following the small storm on Sunday (3/13). There was very little evidence of wind loading involving the new snow since Tuesday morning (3/15). Ridgeline at 9,200' in Smiley Ck.
There is about 10" of settled snow here since Sunday (3/13). The weakest interface was under the snow that fell on Sunday. The weak layer is a thin layer of facets that sit above a stout crust (3/8).

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Cloudy
Temperature:
near 20 F
Wind:
Light , W
New/Recent Snowfall:
HST = 2-25 cm with elevation since Tuesday morning.

Classic spring weather. Hot sun moistening surface snow one minute, then cool breeze and S2-3 the next minute. More clouds than sun overall, but some good long stretches of blue sky. Light wind, aside from gusts during squalls.

Avalanche Observations

One very small 20' wide slab under an upper elevation cornice. No other avalanches were observed. I had good views of much of the surrounding area.

Snowpack Observations

HST since Tuesday = 2 cm (highway), 25 cm (9,200').
Depth over (3/8) rain crust = 2 cm (highway), 30-40 cm (9,200')

Tuesday/Wednesday snows are separated from Sunday's snow by a thin melt-freeze crust. The crust that was buried on (3/8) produced propagating results (see photo) in small facets above the crust. Hard to say how widespread this. I was able to get dirty shears when prying on the block in very weak snow below the crust, but only ECTNs.

There is about 10" of settled snow here since Sunday (3/13). The weakest interface was under the snow that fell on Sunday. The weak layer is a thin layer of facets that sit above a stout crust (3/8).

Avalanche Problems

No obvious avalanche problems were observed.

Terrain Use

I planned to avoid recently wind-loaded slopes and as well as very steep slopes exposed to prolonged sun.