Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
December 2, 2022Submitted:
December 2, 2022Observer:
SAC - Jon PreussZone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley MtnsLocation:
Mid Valley roadside tour and Baldy InboundsSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
WidespreadSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
FairConfidence in Rating:
HighStability Trend:
SteadyBottom Line
Today I observed a widespread natural cycle mostly on northern aspects. Areas that received more snow and wind had avalanches that were big enough to bury a person. There was evidence of a weak snowpack in this forecast zone with remote triggering likely. I cautiously chose the terrain I was skiing today even when inbounds.
Media/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Partly CloudyWind:
Light , WNew/Recent Snowfall:
HST 35-40cm on BaldyThere were a few bands of clouds moving from the NW across the Smokys to the Pioneers. In the afternoon, more clouds were filling to the south. Temps felt cold and lots of snow available for transport.
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Comments | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Sun Peak NW 6800' |
D1.5 | SS | I-New/Old Interface | 1-2' |
AS-Skier r-Remote |
Group likely remote triggered while skinning up the shoulder of Sun Peak. It is unclear if the lower right avalanche occurred today or at the tail end of the storm. The skin track went on top of the bed surface. |
|
|
| 2 |
Triple Peaks NW 8100-8200' |
D2 | SS | I-New/Old Interface | 2' | N-Natural | Crisp looking crown, likely at the tail end of the storm. Another crown to the east of this location. |
|
|
| 1 |
Morgan's Bowl NW 8200' |
D2 | SS | I-New/Old Interface | 1-2' | N-Natural |
|
Other Observed Avalanches:
Starweather: 1 naturals - D1.5 5900' NE
Greenhorn: 6 naturals - D1 5800-6000' N
KOA Chutes: 5 naturals - D1.5 NE
Prospect Hill: 1 natural D1 W
Rudd Mountain: 2 naturals D1 NW
Morgan's Ridge: 7 naturals - D1.5 6600-7000' NW
Warm Springs: over 17 - D1-D2 N/NW (3 spots hit the road with debris yesterday morning) Crown locations varied from ridgeline to mid and lower path
*All crowns were generally 1-2' deep, unless another thickness is mentioned.
Snowpack Observations
Hand pit in gladed area showed 35-40cm slab on top of 11/27 interface with facets below it.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 40cm/1127 Weak Layer(s): Nov 27, 2022 (FC) Comments: Rose coloring are based on the naturals observed today and limited on the snow field travel. |
Terrain Use
Traveling solo, but closed all avalanche terrain for the day. Continued my assessment mindset.