Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 2, 2023
Submitted:
January 2, 2023
Observer:
SAC - Scott Savage
Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky Mtns
Location:
Smiley Ck (7200-8800': SW-W-NW-N-NE-E)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

We didn't experience any signs of instability (recent avalanches, collapsing or cracking, or unstable snowpack test scores). While the snowpack structure is still concerning in places, this area has a stronger, deeper snowpack compared to most of our forecast area. Recently wind-loaded slopes appear to be the biggest issue, for both persistent slabs in the upper 1-3 feet of the snowpack and for some lingering wind slabs near prominent ridges and on the sides of large gullies.
***We observed 3 fresh avalanches in the Galena Summit & E Mtns zone (Easley and Galena Peak).***

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
Below zero F valley, teens above 8000'
Wind:
Calm

Some slopes on the southern half of the compass had been previously wind-loaded or wind-affected above about 8300'. The loading was more pronounced above about 9000'. There was an obvious rime event above about 9200'. The crust just below the surface will take strong winds to erode to make more snow available for transport on most aspects.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
1 Jan 2, 2023
(+/- 1 day) 		Easley Peak
S 9800ft 		D2 U-Unknown O-Old Snow N-Natural
This persistent slab avalanche released on a S aspect (SW-S-SE) near 9800' on Easley Peak in the Boulder Mtns on Jan 1st or 2nd.
Report
2 Jan 2, 2023
(Exact) 		Galena Peak
NW 10000ft 		D2 U-Unknown O-Old Snow U-Unknown
These avalanches happened on Galena Peak on 1/2, between 11AM and 3PM. The avalanche on the left started out as a wind slab and then broke down to deeper weak layers in the steeper, rocky terrain near the cliff band. When smaller avalanches trigger slides on deeper weak layers as they travel downslope it is known as "stepping down". The result is a larger, more destructive avalanhe.
These avalanches released between 11 AM and 5 PM on Monday, Jan 2nd on Galena Peak (W-NW, 10400' and 9800'). The trigger is unknown (natural, animal, human, etc).
Report
Easley Peak
Galena Peak

Snowpack Observations

Observations indicated a deep, strong, stable snowpack relative to most of our forecast area. The most interesting observation was the thin but noticeable crust (rime, freezing rain?) about .5-2cm below the surface, with a little very low-density snow and some SH (0.3-almost 1cm) above it. Snow depth (HS) ranged from 130cm at 7700' to 190-200cm on shady slopes just below 9000'. A lot of the snowpack was P hard where we traveled.

7700' NW (see photo): HS=135cm, ECTX x 2, surface=4 mm crust with PP and then small SH above

8400' W-NW: HS=170cm, some surface wind effects (ripples and dunes), surface=4 mm crust with PP and then 3-5mm SH above

8600 SW (see photo): HS=160-175cm, ECTN22 Q2 40cm down on small FC (maybe some small SH shards?), surface=4 mm crust with PP and then 7-10mm SH above

Shady 8500-8800': 180-200cm, no tests performed, near-surface crust present but SH smaller than on SW (only 3-5mm)


Snowpit in the Smiley Ck drainage on a NW aspect near 7700'.
Snowpit in the Smiley Ck drainage on a SW aspect near 8600'.

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
 Layer Depth/Date: 20-140 down
Comments: Shaded areas are where I traveled, and I did not see any signs of instability on the buried persistent weak layers.
Wind Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
 Unknown
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Layer Depth/Date: unknown
Comments: Shaded areas represent where I observed fresh wind slabs (via glassing/looking around) while traveling. They were at ridgelines and on the sides of large, well-defined gullies (like where last year's fatality occurred).

Terrain Use

We stayed out of significant and consequential start zones and tracks. We planned to avoid avalanche terrain while traveling on skis and stuck with that plan. We crossed large runout zones on snowmobiles.