Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 13, 2022
Submitted:
December 15, 2022
Observer:
SAC - Davis, VandenBos
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Durrance (6,300-8,900, S-E-NE)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
Widespread
Collapses were on SE, E, and NE.

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

We expected to remote trigger avalanches. Booming collapses followed our ascent for the majority of the climb. There were avalanches on the vast majority of the steep terrain we could see looking S to Baldy and SE to Grays Peak. It was truly something.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Wind:
Light , N

The mountains N of Ketchum up to about Saviers and Easley were mostly clear all day. A melt-freeze crust formed on steep S and SW-facing slopes.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
3 Dec 11, 2022
(+/- 1 day) 		Head of Murdock Ck
W 10400ft 		D3 SS-Soft Slab N-Natural
Very large avalanche on a W and SW face at 10,400' at the head of Murdock Ck NE of Ketchum.
Report
10 Dec 11, 2022
(+/- 1 day) 		Triple Pk
NW 8500ft 		D2 SS-Soft Slab N-Natural
Numerous large avalanches were observed in the Lake Ck Drainage N of Ketchum. This large avalanche is on a NW-facing slope at 8,400' near Triple Pk.
Report
Head of Murdock Ck
Triple Pk

There were hundreds of slides visible from the top of Durrance. We will add avalanche occurrences as time allows.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Persistent Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Weak Layer(s): Nov 27, 2022 (FC)
Comments: Notable large collapses on 11/27 on middle and lower elevation SE.

Terrain Use

We avoided avalanche terrain