Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
April 5, 2022
Submitted:
April 5, 2022
Observer:
SAC - Davis, VandenBos
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Headwaters near Saviers Pk (All but E, 7,600-9,700')

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Cracking (~45 cm) in freshly formed wind slab.

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

We observed obvious signs of recent wind-loading and slab formation in middle and upper elevation terrain. There was enough wind-drifted snow to keep us out of a fair bit of terrain. The sun popped in and out but had not initiated any loose snow avalanches as of 3:00 PM.

Media/Attachments

Cracking in freshly formed wind slabs. Middle elevation (9,000') on a N-facing slope in the Smoky Mtns.
Drifting of new snow formed these dunes in an alpine cirque in the W. Smokys.
Drifting of new snow formed these dunes in an alpine cirque in the W. Smokys.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkCFMMEGkgI

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Cloudy
Temperature:
Teens F
Wind:
Moderate , NW
New/Recent Snowfall:
5 cm at Headwaters Parking. 15-20 cm @ 9,000-9,500'. Hard to say above that due to wind.

It was mostly cloudy although the sun popped through as the clouds sped by. Cold, moderate NW wind. Obvious flagging in the Smokys in the AM and "snow devils" later in the day. The sun moistened the surface enough on some slopes for a thin crust tomorrow.

Avalanche Observations

I had short-lived but decent views into the Boulders and portions of the Smokys. I did not see any obvious large avalanches.

Snowpack Observations

NE @ 9,000': We only looked at the upper ~90 cm. ECTNs (1 & 2 taps) on the storm interface down 15 cm. ECTN19, 20 over a crust down 45 cm. Percolation columns were numerous and thick, moving water deep into the mostly faceted upper 3' of the snowpack.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Wind Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Layer Depth/Date: 30-60 cm
Comments: Obvious wind affects above about 9,000' in this area. See photos, video. We got the impression that these slabs would heal fairly quickly, given the warm start to the storm and rough interfaces.

Terrain Use

We actively looked for and avoided wind slabs. We skied steep slopes that were scoured or where the recent drifts were thin.