Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
May 4, 2022Submitted:
May 5, 2022Observer:
SAC - Scott SavageZone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern MtnsLocation:
glassing Ketchum-Frenchman Ck (from 7-8 PM)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None Experienced
Cracking and Collapsing were N/A: I was driving and looking at recent avalanche activity.
Snow Stability
Stability Rating:
PoorConfidence in Rating:
HighStability Trend:
Bottom Line
I saw hundreds of fresh wet loose avalanches, mostly small slides but at least 20 D2 in size (large enough to bury people). The activity was mostly in rocky, protected alpine cirques.
Media/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly SunnyTemperature:
40s FWind:
CalmNew/Recent Snowfall:
No new snow in past 24 hours.Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Photos | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 |
May 4, 2022 (Exact) |
Boulder and Smoky Mtns - alpine terrain SW 10000ft |
D2 | WL-Wet Loose | I-New/Old Interface | N-Natural | Report | ||
| 3 |
May 4, 2022 (Exact) |
Boulder Mtns - Galena Peak W 10000ft |
D2 | WL-Wet Loose | I-New/Old Interface | N-Natural |
|
Report |
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Comments | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 |
Boulder Mtns Lake Ck-Galena Summit area, Smoky Mtns Anderson Ck to west of Smiley Ck S alpine |
D1.5 | WL | N-Natural | I quit counting avalanches at 150 and went with a low estimate of 200 observed avalanches. Slides were almost all at upper elevations, on E-S-W-NW aspects. No slides were observed on N and NE. Photo is of typical alpine cirque conditions in Boulder Mtns. |
|
|||
| 20 |
Boulder Mtns, Smoky Mtns SE alpine |
D2 | WL | N-Natural | I saw at least 20 D2 wet loose slides, on a variety of aspects. No large WL slides observed on N or NE. |
|
Most alpine cirques in the Boulder Mtns had 10-20 fresh wet loose slides. I did not have great visibility in the Smoky Mtns in the evening, but I saw significant activity there as well.
Snowpack Observations
No direct observations.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wet Loose
|
|
Comments: Most of the activity was in rocky, protected alpine cirques. All middle elevation natural slides were smaller (D1). |
Terrain Use
I was driving and looking at avalanche activity. I would not have entered alpine terrain on Tuesday - too much overhead avalanche hazard during a significant shed cycle.